Badger cull gets under way in Dorset, Gloucestershire and Somerset

Experts say ineffective and inhumane culling could increase TB infections in cattle as setts are disrupted and badgers roam more widely

The controversial badger cull in England is underway for the first time in Dorset and has restarted for the third year in Gloucestershire and Somerset, the government has confirmed.

The cull, intended to curb tuberculosis in cattle, aims to kill 1,000-2,000 badgers over six weeks. Over 32,000 TB-infected cattle were slaughtered in 2014 and farmers welcomed the cull.