News that the TB eradication programme pilot badger cull will take place in Pembrokeshire has been widely welcomed by the agricultural sector.

It was announced last week that a 200 square kilometre area of north Pembrokeshire is the preferred location for the cull, which will last at least five years and cost £4million.

However, the decision to go ahead with the cull has angered wildlife groups, and demands are now being made to ensure the county’s farmers are protected.

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies is calling for the Assembly to be wholly responsible for undertaking the cull.

He added: “It is crucial that we see the Government taking responsibility for the process, it should not be left to farmers.

“The danger of putting this responsibility on farmers is that the agricultural industry will attract much criticism.”

Ever since Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones announced plans for a cull as part of the Welsh Assembly’s £27million TB eradication programme in April, farmers and agricultural organisations have been a target for animal rights activists.

In June protesters believed to be from the Animal Liberation Front daubed slogans including “No Badger Cull” and “cull farmers, not badgers” on the walls of NFU offices in Haverfordwest, Carm-arthen, Gorseinon and Laleston, Bridgend.

Then in November, extremists painted pro-badger graffiti on the farm gateways leading to the homes of Pembrokeshire farmer Stephen James, who represented NFU Cymru on the Wales TB Action Group and the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ representative Brian Walters, who farms near Carmarthen.

Mr Davies added: “TB in cattle has reached epidemic proportions in north Pembrokeshire or else we wouldn’t be faced with having to take this drastic action. But this is the only way to control this terrible disease.

“What we must make sure of now is that the farmers on whose land this cull takes place are protected from any criticism.”

The Welsh Assembly says it will manage and evaluate the cull and a contractor will be appointed to carry out the cull, which will involve trapping and shooting badgers.