AHEAD of the imminent decision on badger culling in England, readers might ask themselves what do black cats and badgers have in common? The answer is that both have been persecuted for what amounts to superstition and hysteria.

Today we are incredulous at the idea that black cats were once accused of witchcraft and causing bad luck, but now a similarly bizarre war is being waged on the humble badger. The idea that our wildlife holds the key to ending the TB epidemic in cattle was roundly disproved by the 10 year study by the Independent Scientific Group – which concluded that "badger culling cannot meaningfully contribute to the control of bovine TB in Britain". Yet the calls for badger blood continue unabated – and could soon become reality.

While in Wales the new Government has decided to review the science, the future of English badgers lies in the balance. Officials in Westminster are due to decide on the fate of badgers in the next few weeks – and potentially sign their death warrant. The nightmare scenario will see thousands of them caged and shot – or chased around woodland by men with guns.

However, the reason for this call to slaughter just does not stand up to scrutiny.

Justin Kerswell