The government has announced it will delay a planned cull of badgers in England until next summer, after widespread protests against the scheme.
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said this was necessary to "get it right" and the "optimal time" for this year had passed.
Under the coalition's plans, several thousand badgers could be shot by trained marksmen, in an effort to reduce levels of bovine tuberculosis.
Opponents say this is unnecessary.
Ministers have given approval for a cull in two areas, Gloucestershire and west Somerset, as part of efforts to control bovine TB.
Under the plans, badgers will be shot in the open without first being trapped in cages, which is current practice.
Opponents, including the RSPCA, say that is inhumane. An e-petition to the government, created by Queen guitarist Brian May, has attracted more than 160,000 signatures.
The government's plan is based on the results of a nine-year trial which showed the spread of the disease could be slowed slightly if more than 70% of badgers in an area could be eradicated. But if it was less than 70%, the spread of TB could increase, it found.
Can't believe this was ever approved in the first place. This is where we as humans massively overstep the mark, killing thousands of animals so we can save our own interests when the results may not even be effective.