Snaring decision

Published on Sunday 24 February 2008 20:27

On 20 February, the Scottish Government announced its intention to allow snaring to continue. The decision contradicts overwhelming public support for a ban on these cruel and indiscriminate traps, and follows an official public consultation which revealed a majority of more than 2:1 in favour of a ban.

Instead of a ban the minister has proposed to attempt to regulate the practice through a package of technical measures. We do not believe such measures will stop the wide scale suffering or prevent the capture of non-target animals including protected species.

The current regime already involves technical distinctions and voluntary codes of practice, but fails to prevent animal suffering. In our view, a ban on all snares will ultimately be the only way to address animal welfare and conservation concerns. In addition, cruelty – in whatever form it takes – whether inflicted on humans or animals, can never be regulated only abolished.

Snares have no place in 21st-century Scotland. The campaign to ban snaring in Scotland will continue until these primitive traps are finally prohibited.

ROSS MINETT

Advocates for Animals

LOUISE ROBERTSON

League Against Cruel Sports

RODNEY HALE

Hare Preservation Trust

ANDY CHRISTIE

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust

GRACE YOXON

International Otter Survival Fund

IAN HUTCHISON

Scottish Badgers

LES WARD

Marchig Animal Welfare Trust