I HAVE noted the recent correspondence supporting the insistence by dairy farmers on a badger cull to eradicate TB in cattle (We want to get rid of TB, not badgers, July 7).

Apparently it will have very little effect – a mere 12 to 16 per cent.

Why is it that the moral aspect of this demand is never addressed? It is probably unfashionable to talk about compassion and respect for life these days.

Badgers do not belong to anyone, they are part of the environment and are very much loved.

They live in social groups and are dependent on each other. Eliminating members of that group causes chaos among the others, and they certainly have no means of defending themselves.

The modern dairy cow, like the badger, is a victim. She has been bred to produce about 10 times more milk that is required to feed a calf and is kept constantly pregnant, the calves are removed very soon after birth because the milk is required for humans.

She very probably suffers foot trouble because of the weight she carries, not to mention mastitis and other complaints for which she is dosed with antibiotics.

With all this stress, which takes years off her natural lifespan, is it any wonder that her immune system is seriously impaired, and makes her prey to many diseases including tuberculosis?

Perhaps the dairy industry should consider this question and try to improve the lives of their animals, but I expect that is too much to hope for in this materialistic world.

Badgers have been persecuted through the ages, dug out of their setts to fight with dogs in ways too horrible to mention, and it is still going on.

Please leave the badgers alone, they have as much right to their lives as we have to ours.

Joan Jones

Devon Heath

Chudleigh Knighton