A ROCK legend is calling on people in Dorset to step out to support badgers.

Queen star and wildlife campaigner Brian May is encouraging animal lovers to join badger patrols which aim to protest against the cull in a law-abiding manner.

Natural England announced in August that licences have been granted to cull between 390 and 610 badgers this year, the second year of the policy.

The NFU welcomed the return of the cull, saying it is one tool to control the spread of bovine TB, along with more controls on the movement of cattle and increasing biosecurity.

But wildlife lovers have spoken out against the policy.

Dr May said: “I want to show my support for our people who are on the ground doing what they can to observe and try and make sure that humanity is followed in this cull and trying to save the lives of badgers.

"We are a nation of animal lovers and we are decent people. It's a desperate situation and a bloody situation in the countryside. I encourage everyone who thinks the badger culls don’t work to join a local patrol.”

Wounded badger patrols walk on public footpaths during the cull period, to find animals which may be injured. There is a group leader and volunteers just need walking boots and appropriate clothing.

A spokesman for the Dr May’s charity, the Save Me Trust, said that in previous culling periods, the government's Independent Expert Panel concluded that a significant percentage of badgers did not die within five minutes of the shot. 

“This was the government’s test of humaneness but the results proved that free shooting was not humane or effective.”

Anne Brummer, CEO of the trust, said: “You will find solicitors, accountants and teachers here and many other trades and professions. They are united in their compassion and their commitment to badgers and wildlife.

“Please join us for as little or as long as you can.”

Visit the Team Badger website for contact details at www.teambadger.org/wounded-badger-patrols