Last year's culls failed on humaneness and effectiveness.

No official figures on the number of badgers culled

Badger cull pilots in Gloucestershire ended yesterday (October 20). Official figures on the number of animals culled, or whether targets have been met, are not yet available.

Licensed shooters were given a target of removing 615 badgers from populations in Gloucestershire. Last year's pilot culls in both Somerset and Gloucestershire failed to meet their target of removing 70 per cent of the badger population, despite being granted extensions.

A Defra spokesperson said: “The minimum numbers for this year’s culls have been set using the best available evidence gathered by local experts and signed-off by Defra’s chief scientist. All aspects of the culls are being independently audited.

"The numbers of badgers removed during the culls will be analysed, quality assured and audited before release. The information on safety and humaneness will also be analysed, quality assured and signed-off by the chief veterinary officer."

A report carried out by an independent expert panel (IEP) last year found the culls to be both ineffective and inhumane.

Badger culling is part of the UK's strategy to eradicate bTB. Defra's spokesperson said: “England has the highest incidence of bovine TB in Europe and this is threatening the future of our beef and dairy industries, and our nation’s food security.

"We are pursuing a comprehensive strategy to deal with the disease, supported by leading vets, which includes cattle movement controls, vaccinating badgers in the edge area and culling badgers where TB is rife."