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A dead badger has been hung by his neck from vegan TV presenter Chris Packham‘s gate – with reports assuming the attack is linked to his views on the controversial badger cull.
Packham has previously described the cull as ‘eco-genocidal and vengeful’.
‘Without killing animals’
Packham shared an image of the animal with his 388,000 Twitter followers.
He captioned it: “Always nice to get home after a long day at work to a warm welcome at the gate.
“I’d be grateful if you have an issue with me and my views if you could express it without killing innocent animals.”
Always nice to get home after a long day at work to a warm welcome at the gate . I’d be grateful if you have an issue with me and my views if you could express it without killing innocent animals . What do you think @DailyMailUK @BASCnews ? pic.twitter.com/880QQIBatl
— Chris Packham (@ChrisGPackham) February 21, 2020
Responses
Packham received a number of supportive responses, with one Twitter user saying: “Appalling that lesser men see a need to show their disagreement in a cruel and childish way. They obviously don’t have the wherewithal to engage in intelligent debate.”
Another added: “Sorry you have to put up with our psychologically disturbed neighbours Chris. We need government to reverse the massive cuts to social services / mental health provision /policing so these people can be found/helped. Just a matter of time before they hurt people as well as animals.”
Another commentator advised Packham to put up security cameras around his gates.
Statement
Packham published an extensive statement about the cull in 2013, explaining why he would not take part in any BBC programs or discussions on badgers.
He said: “My views on the Badger cull are well known and have been widely voiced and published. They are opinions based on a pragmatic and objective consideration of the current science concerning its efficacy as well as concerns about animal welfare.
“Because of the prominence of my comments it is obviously impossible for me to be considered impartial as a BBC presenter on this topic. Impartiality is a cornerstone of the BBC’s practice as a public service broadcaster and I am determined to protect this important aspect of its integrity.
“Thus I will not be taking part in any discussions about the cull during the forthcoming series of Autumnwatch and Winterwatch. Nor will I be presenting any items in the series about the badger cull because, as natural history programs, they are not the right place for discussions about matters of national public policy. I will however continue to make my views known when I feel it is appropriate to do so.”
Dead animals
This is not the first time vandals have hung dead animals outside Packham’s house: last April, dead crows were hung by their necks from his fence – following his campaign against shooting birds.
Packham worked with the group Wild Justice, calling for general licenses allowing the slaughter of so-called ‘pest species’ including pigeons and crows, to be revoked.
As a result of the campaign the government’s advisors for the natural environment, Natural England, has revoked general licenses – under which farmers could kill birds on their land without seeking permission. As a result of the campaign, individuals must apply for permission.
This was my gate this morning (it was vandalised) @HantsPolice & lawyers have been informed . So @BASCnews @NFUtweets @CAupdates @FarmersWeekly @Gameandwildlife @NaturalEngland can I ask you to comment on whether you condone this . Serious request – replies expected . Please RT pic.twitter.com/8sVDyn4bSW
— Chris Packham (@ChrisGPackham) April 25, 2019
Vandalism
While a number of organizations including The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds were happy with the change, it angered blood sports enthusiasts and some farmers, with the latter claiming that if they can’t slaughter birds like magpies and Canada Geese, they will be unable to protect public spaces and crops.
Packham believed those who were angry about this resolution were behind the dead birds. He tweeted an image of the birds, with the words: “This was my gate this morning (it was vandalized) Police & lawyers have been informed.”
He tagged pro-blood sports pressure group the Countryside Alliance, as well as the National Farmers Union, and Farmers Weekly among others in the Tweet, asking them whether they condone this behavior.
