Badger cull campaigners target farms with bogus calls
Animal rights activists are reportedly masquerading as Farmers Weekly journalists in a bid to gain information on the forthcoming badger culling trials.
Farmers have been subjected to bogus telephone enquiries by anti-cull campaigners who are trying to find out who is involved in the pilot culls.
The callers reportedly engage in general conversation then focus on bovine TB and culling, asking farmers whether their land is within the trial zone and whether they approve of the cull.
While Farmers Weekly does interview livestock keepers on the issues of bovine tuberculosis and badger culling, it is important to gain proof that the call is genuine.
What to do if you get calls about badger culling from people claiming to be from Farmers Weekly.
Check the enquiry is genuine:
- Ask for the caller’s name and telephone number
- Offer to call them back
- Put the phone down
- Check the number against the contacts listed in the front of the Farmers Weekly magazine or call one of the contacts list online for verification
Suspect you have been targeted?
If you suspect that you have been targeted please call the newsdesk on 020 8652 4915.
For more on bovine tuberculosis visit our page of dedicated coverage
For further advice and information on bovine tuberculosis follow the link to TB Free England