MORE than 600 badgers are to be culled in Dorset this year as Natural England grants a licence for the trial scheme to be extended to the county until 2018.

The news has left farmers relieved but animal campaigners declaring it a ‘sad day for Dorset’.

And Simon Cripps, chief executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, has warned there is a ‘distinct possibility’ of conflict between farmers and campaigners – although he emphasised that the charity does not advocate this.

Dorset Police moved to appeal to anyone wishing to protest to do so ‘lawfully and peacefully’.

Rock star Brian May has condemned the cull, and confirmed that the lawfulness of the decision to issue the licences will be challenged by a judicial review in the High Court by his charity, the Save Me Trust.

The exact dates when culling will begin have not been revealed, but a licence letter has been released which states that Natural England is ‘satisfied that sufficient funds have been deposited to cover the cost of completing the cull’.

The letter states that the minimum number of badgers which ‘authorised people’ should aim to kill each year is 615 and the maximum is 835. Under the terms of the licence, live capture and shooting of badgers may take place every year between June 1 and November 30 until 2018. ‘Free range’ shooting of badgers can take place from June 1 to January 31.

The cull must take place within a six week period, although this can be extended by Natural England if necessary.

Trevor Cligg (CORR), Dorset chairman of the National Farmers’ Union, said: “I’m very pleased. It gives us hope that eventually the problem of Bovine TB will be sorted. I’m positive farmers will be relieved but it’s not enough and it’s too late.

“This should have happened 10 years ago before the problem became as bad as it is. And because there are only small areas where the cull can happen, apart from the farms involved, it won’t make any difference to the industry.”

The Dorset Wildlife Trust condemned the cull as a ‘misguided attempt’ to control the spread of bovine TB.

Dr Cripps said: “It’s understandable farmers want to do something but it has been shown that a cull is unlikely to have much effect.”

When asked if the announcement could lead to clashes between farmers and campaigners, he said: “We do not have contact with groups who are doing that. I can’t say if it will happen, but it’s a distinct possibility.”

Superintendant Jared Parkin, of Dorset Police, said: “I am acutely aware that the badger cull is a highly emotive issue that will bring with it debate, tension and disharmony. I appeal to anyone intending to protest against the badger cull to get in touch and work with us to ensure that everyone remains safe.

“We are working closely with our local communities in the policing of this operation to ensure minimal disruption. Safeguarding the public is of paramount importance to us and therefore we request that anybody wishing to express their feelings in public does so lawfully and peacefully.”

Karin Snellock (CORR), of the Dorset Bovine and Badger Welfare Group, said members will be patrolling to ensure the cull is carried out to the letter of the law.

“We are not proposing to break the law but to make sure that what they are doing follows the law to the letter.

“We are disappointed. It is a sad day for Dorset.”