Ministers today confirmed they are considering gassing badgers to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis.
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson revealed the government had commissioned research into gassing badgers infected with TB.
But he told the House of Commons he would not resort to the measure until evidence proved it humane.
He said: “Until we can establish vaccines, we have to use the tools employed by other sensible countries which is to remove wildlife.
“We made it quite clear in our TB strategy that we would look at other methods of removing wildlife.
“And yes we are looking at gassing, but we will not use it unless it is proven to be safe, humane and effective.”
Mr Paterson said over 300,000 “otherwise healthy cattle” had been slaughtered because of bovine TB over the past 10 years costing the taxpayer £500 million.
Shadow Environment Secretary Maria Eagle said today: “It is unacceptable for Owen Paterson to be considering [gassing], just because his unscientific, costly and misguided cull is not working.
“Instead of blaming the badgers for the failure of his policy, it’s time for a coherent plan.”
