Policy paper

Establishing and running a badger culling training course and assessing competence: minimum course requirements

Details of the modular syllabus and topics which must be included in a training course and the information that must be submitted to Defra to gain approval.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Documents

Establishing and running a badger culling training course and assessing competence: minimum course requirements

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Details

Government policy is to allow the granting of licenses under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to enable a cull of badgers for the purpose of controlling bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Natural England (NE) is the licensing authority and will grant licences subject to strict criteria and licence conditions.

In order to obtain a licence, operators will be required to attend an approved training course and demonstrate competence. Industry organisations will be responsible for applying for and running a training course. Government will be responsible for approving the content of the course and auditing courses which are being run.

11 October 2012 - Amendments have been made to the Best Practice Guidance for controlled shooting of badgers and Guidance for establishing and running a badger culling training course

Further information

Published 3 May 2012