14/04/2011

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has advised Welsh farmers to contact the police if they receive menacing telephone calls from anti- badger cull campaigners. The union yesterday warned that individuals had called producers and asked for their views on the planned badger cull in West Wales, which the Welsh Assembly Government believe will control bovine TB.

Several businesses complained the calls had been “threatening”. In a press release FUW president Gareth Vaughan said the callers had no right to intimidate people: “There is no place for this type of threatening behaviour in our democratic society. People have every right to approve of, oppose or remain neutral on the badger culling issue while keeping their views private.”

There are fears that the calls could affect the perception of anti-cull campaigners, although Welsh farmers have accepted that the vast majority of campaigners behave responsibly and have a legitimate right to voice their concerns. Commenting on the calls, Badger Trust spokesperson Jack Reedy told Farming Online, “The Badger Trust seeks to protect the badger by only legal means. While peaceful demonstrations are everybody’s right, the trust does not support any violence or intimidation.”

The police advise anyone receiving calls which they find intimidating to record the details of the call and report it. Reports can be made on the police non emergency number by dialling 101 from any landline or mobile phone.