Sign the petition today before the government makes the decision to proceed with a mass slaughter of one of Britain's most loved mammals.

The RSPCA is shocked at the recommendation put forward by the Government's Chief Scientific Advisor, Sir David King, which suggests a cull of badgers in England should be undertaken in order to control bovine TB in cattle.

This advice goes against the conclusions of the Government appointed Independent Scientific Group on cattle TB, published in June, after a 10 year study. Their conclusion was that while badgers are a source of bovine TB in cattle, badger culling can make no meaningful contribution to cattle TB control in Britain. The evidence was that some culling policies could make matters worse rather than better.

The badger is a protected species and a much loved symbol of British wildlife. A cull could cause enormous suffering, particularly as it is possible that methods such as snaring may be used to 'remove' these beautiful creatures.

The government are due to make a decision in the next month or so on whether to go ahead with a cull of badgers as a means of controlling bovine TB in England. WE CANNOT ALLOW THIS SENSELESS SLAUGHTER TO PROCEED.

Help us reach our target of 25,000 petition signatures. Forward this petition to everyone you know. Add you name to our text petition too - text BADGER to 60022. The petitions will be presented to the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP as a sign of public opposition to a cull.

For further information on our campaign to stop the cull of badgers visit www.rspca.org.uk/badgers

SIGN THE PETITION NOW!