THE Assembly Government's badger cull was put on hold today pending the outcome of a legal appeal at the end of the month.

Preparations for the cull will continue, but badgers will not be killed before the hearing on June 30.

The Badger Trust failed to halt the cull in northern Pembrokeshire in its initial legal challenge when a judicial review upheld the Assembly Government's plans to trap and shoot the animals as part of a campaign to drive out bovine TB.

Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said she anticipated an early ruling by the Court of Appeal in her favour.

Ministers insist the cull is necessary to wipe out a disease that has hit 42 per cent of cattle farms in the area in six years. Stricter controls on herds are also being introduced.

The start of culling will not be announced, but opponents who contest the scientific basis for the cull, last month clashed with contractors surveying badger setts in the area.

Ms Jones said she was disappointed the Badger Trust had sought an appeal after losing in the High Court.

She said: "We were initially advised that the appeal would be listed for hearing between November and February.

"But it emerged Wednesday afternoon that the Court of Appeal had agreed to an expedited hearing on June 30.

"I am very grateful to the court for recognising the seriousness of the bovine TB problem in Wales.

"We will continue with our scientific approach that underpins our eradication programme. We will proceed with the preparatory work under the legal powers available to the Welsh Assembly Government.

"In addition, farmers in the area are already subject to additional and strict cattle control measures, and we do not intend to suspend those controls."

She added: "In light of the fact that the hearing will now be held very quickly, I can commit to a delay in removing badgers until the judgment is delivered.

"I do so in anticipation of an early and positive judgment for the Welsh Assembly Government.

"Bovine TB must be eradicated. It's blighted our cattle industry for far too long. Our comprehensive approach is based on the scientific evidence which shows that implementing strict cattle controls and culling badgers where necessary will substantially reduce TB in cattle."

Liberal Democrat AM Peter Black, one of a few AMs opposed to the cull, said: "I am pleased that the minister has finally acknowledged the sensitivities around this cull and agreed that it be delayed until due process is followed.

"In truth, the way her officials and contractors were conducting themselves in north Pembrokeshire was in danger of inflaming the situation and it is clear that she was losing the propaganda war in convincing people that her actions were proportionate and reasonable.

"This delay will give everybody a chance to cool down and allow a proper examination of her decision by an independent court."

Stephen James, deputy president of farmers' union NFU Cymru, said: "It's clear that the Badger Trust is trying to employ delaying tactics with a view to derailing the TB eradication strategy in Wales.

"I am pleased however that the Court of Appeal has recognised the importance and the urgency of this matter and has expedited the hearing to the end of this month and that the minister has confirmed that the preparatory work, which is now well advanced, will continue."