ANIMAL FORUM

The National Federation of Badger Groups (NFBG) has won a prestigious
national award for its work in fighting wildlife crime. The Partner of the
Year Award was presented by the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife
Crime (PAW).

Dr Elaine King, Chief Executive of the NFBG, said the award recognised the
hard work of thousands of volunteers who value and protect their local
wildlife.

This award is a credit to more than 80 local badger groups who work in
partnership with the police, RSPCA and other organisations to protect
badgers from illegal persecution.

The Rt Hon Elliot Morley, Minister of State for Environment and
Agri-Environment, said that the award was very well deserved.