Both Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper have taken a swipe at BBC's Countryfile following a segment on the show involving badgers. Sunday night's episode of the show, fronted by John Craven and Sammi Kinghorn, featured a series of home videos of creatures enjoying manmade habitats and treats left out by viewers.
"Samantha from Harrogate... has a picnic bench fit for a badger," Craven said as one of the animals was shown feasting on the food left out by the viewer. Clarkson, who has previously expressed frustration about the impact badgers can have on farms, shared the clip on his Instagram and simply wrote: "FFS".
His Clarkson's Farm co-star Kaleb Cooper also did not appear impressed, writing in the comments: "Just thinking the same". His reply was accompanied by two facepalm emojis.
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The young farmer recently became choked up as he shared a devastating setback with his followers earlier this month. Cooper - who has already had to deal with issues caused by bovine tuberculosis (TB) - revealed his cows had to undergo testing once again.
All mammalian species, including humans, are susceptible to bovine TB, which is mainly a respiratory disease. Transmission can occur through nose-to-nose contact and also through contact with saliva, urine, faeces and milk.
The cows, owned by Cooper and a friend, were tested on Thursday and the farmer was informed of a reactor. He told his followers: "I mean, the feeling... I can't really describe the feeling when the vet says, 'Kaleb or reactor. To anyone out there - sorry I can't even speak now.
"But to anyone out there who's got TB problems, I feel you. I feel you and I'm with you."
Clarkson's previous comments on badgers proved controversial, with the Badger Trust claiming that an episode of his farming show demonised the animals. A statement from the trust reads: "The episode, which focuses on Clarkson’s attempts to protect his new cattle herd from bovine tuberculosis, is directed in a way that portrays badgers as disease-ridden, unfairly protected, and the nemesis of cattle and cattle farmers.
"The effect of bovine TB outbreaks on herds and farmers is awful, but don't blame badgers. Cows are the primary spreaders of bovine tuberculosis in England, not badgers."
Peter Hambly, executive director of Badger Trust, said: "Badgers are under threat like never before and, like all wild animals, need people to speak up for them. Please join me in speaking up for badgers and help protect our natural world.”