The Badger Trust has accused the government of allowing the badger cull in Somerset and Gloucestershire to go ahead without independent expert monitoring.

The legal team representing the national charity returned to the Royal Courts of Justice last week to dispute their case to the Court of Appeal after a second year of culling was approved.

The six week long culling aims to tackle tuberculosis and is due to end later this month. Its opponents say shooting the animals is not effective and inhumane.

The Badger Trust considers independent monitoring of the pilots to be “essential” and supports and represents about 50 badger groups and is funded by donations and subscriptions.

Its mission is to “use all lawful means to campaign for the improved welfare, protection, and conservation of badgers, their setts and habitats”

The appeal court's ruling, which is due next week, is expected to provide legal guidance for future culls.