High Court allows challenge to controversial badger cull to proceed

The High Court has granted two NGOs (Wild Justice and Badger Trust) permission to challenge Natural England’s decision to grant licences for badger culling.

The licences were granted after officials in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (“Defra") advised that Defra’s relationship with the farming industry could be negatively affected if the licences were not granted.

Badger Trust and Wild Justice contend, amongst other things, that the licences were granted for the improper purpose of maintaining the farming community’s confidence in Natural England and Defra’s programmes, rather than for the statutory purpose of preventing the spread of disease.

At an oral renewal hearing, Fordham J granted permission for the claim to proceed on all three grounds of challenge. The claim is expected to be heard later this year.

Barney McCay acts with David Wolfe KC for the claimants, Wild Justice and Badger Trust, instructed by Ricardo Gama, Carol Day and Julia Eriksen (Leigh Day).