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Queen's Brian May battles for threatened badgers

There's a battle over badgers in Britain -- and rock star Brian May is facing off against the country's farmers.For animal-loving Britons, the burrowing black-and-white creatures are a beloved part of the landscape. But to cattle farmers they are a menace, spreading bovine tuberculosis, a disease that can devastate herds.This week the government approved a plan to kill badgers in some parts to slo
Brian May launches the national Team Badger campaign in front of a giant billboard in London on Wednesday, Sept. 19.
Brian May launches the national Team Badger campaign in front of a giant billboard in London on Wednesday, Sept. 19.Joel Ryan / AP / Today

There's a battle over badgers in Britain -- and rock star Brian May is facing off against the country's farmers.

Brian May launches the national Team Badger campaign in front of a giant billboard in London on Wednesday, Sept. 19.
Brian May launches the national Team Badger campaign in front of a giant billboard in London on Wednesday, Sept. 19.Joel Ryan / AP / Today

For animal-loving Britons, the burrowing black-and-white creatures are a beloved part of the landscape. But to cattle farmers they are a menace, spreading bovine tuberculosis, a disease that can devastate herds.

This week the government approved a plan to kill badgers in some parts to slow the spread of infection.

May, the Queen guitarist, belongs to a coalition of animal welfare groups who are determined to stop the cull, which he calls "horrific."

They have gathered over 55,000 signatures and hope to convince the government to scrap the idea.

May said Wednesday he's confident "the public will speak and they won't allow the government to get away with this."

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