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Decision against animal snare ban Ministers reject snare ban plea
(about 1 hour later)
The Scottish Government has decided against a ban on animal snares. The Scottish Government will not ban animal snares, despite a high-profile campaign by welfare groups.
Environment Minister Mike Russell said alternatives to the wire traps were not always suitable, and an effective form of predator control was vital.Environment Minister Mike Russell said alternatives to the wire traps were not always suitable, and an effective form of predator control was vital.
However, the Scottish Government said that there would be a clampdown on their use and that interfering with them may become a criminal offence. However, the use of snares will be restricted and interfering with them may be made a criminal offence.
Campaigners have been calling for a ban on the manufacture, sale and use of animal snares. But campaigners and some MSPs accused the Scottish Government of failing to listen to public opinion.
Mr Russell told the Scottish Parliament that strong arguments had been put forward on both sides of the debate. Organisations, including Advocates for Animals, claimed the measures would not prevent protected species, such as badgers and otters, as well as household pets being caught and killed in snares.
But he said the control of animals, such as foxes, through snares helped maintain Scotland's world-famous £240m shooting industry, boost conservation and biodiversity projects and helped farmers protect their animals. This highlights the need to take animal welfare issues away from the minister who really represents farmers, landowners, gamekeepers and fishery interests John RobinsAnimal Concern
Tightening regulations or introducing a licensing system is not going to address animal suffering Libby AndersonAdvocates for Animals They said the only solution was to outlaw their manufacture, sale and use.
Welfare group Advocates for Animals has maintained that snares have caught and killed protected species like badgers and otters, as well as pets. Mr Russell told the Scottish Parliament that the control of animals, such as foxes, through snares, helped maintain Scotland's world-famous £240m shooting industry, boost conservation projects and assisted farmers in protecting their animals.
Mr Russell announced a series of measures on the use of snares, such as the compulsory fitting of safety stops, ID tags and marking areas where snaring takes place with signs. He announced a series of measures on the use of snares, such as the compulsory fitting of safety stops, ID tags and marking areas where snaring takes place with signs.
He pointed to findings by the British Veterinary Association that "in some circumstances, snaring might be the least inhumane method where control is necessary". The minister also pointed to findings by the British Veterinary Association that "in some circumstances, snaring might be the least inhumane method where control is necessary".
"By implementing this package, Scotland will have established the best possible practice in terms of animal welfare, while allowing effective land management to continue with all the economic and conservation benefits that accrue," the minister told MSPs. Mr Russell told MSPs: "By implementing this package, Scotland will have established the best possible practice in terms of animal welfare, while allowing effective land management to continue with all the economic and conservation benefits that accrue."
"We will also be sending a clear signal to those wildlife cowboys and criminals who use snares illegally and indiscriminately that their methods will be vigorously pursued and punished." 'Serious pressure'
Pro-ban campaigners stood outside the Scottish Parliament
The government's strategy followed calls from a range of rural groups for a strictly enforced industry code of practice to ensure responsible snare use.The government's strategy followed calls from a range of rural groups for a strictly enforced industry code of practice to ensure responsible snare use.
Alex Hogg, chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, said: "We appreciate that the minister has come under serious pressure from some organisations for an outright ban on their use.Alex Hogg, chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, said: "We appreciate that the minister has come under serious pressure from some organisations for an outright ban on their use.
"However, these organisations have highlighted misuse of snares by poachers and by amateurs on urban fringes to make their case.""However, these organisations have highlighted misuse of snares by poachers and by amateurs on urban fringes to make their case."
Advocates for Animals political director Libby Anderson, said: "Tightening regulations or introducing a licensing system is not going to address animal suffering, or stop the accidental capture of protected species and people's pets, which is inevitable with these indiscriminate traps." Pro-ban campaigners stood outside the Scottish Parliament
The campaign to ban snares has also been led by the League Against Cruel Sports, backed by high-profile figures including Queen guitarist Brian May, actresses Joanna Lumley and Annette Crosby, and UN Messenger of Peace and chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall. Advocates for Animals political director Libby Anderson, said: "Tightening regulations is not going to address animal suffering, or stop the accidental capture of protected species and people's pets, which is inevitable with these indiscriminate traps."
Another group, Animal Concern, claimed MSPs were more concerned about upsetting rural voters than taking positive steps to protect animals.
The organisation's John Robins said: "This highlights the need to take animal welfare issues away from the minister who really represents farmers, landowners, gamekeepers and fishery interests."
Labour rural affairs spokeswoman Sarah Boyack pointed to a public consultation on snaring, which suggested there was a "clear majority" for a complete ban.
"Government is about tough choices and on this occasion we believe the minister has not risen to the challenge," she said.
Her position was backed by the Greens, while SNP backbencher Christine Grahame voiced opposition to snares.
However, the government's decision was supported by the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.
The campaign to ban the traps has also been led by the League Against Cruel Sports, backed by high-profile figures including Queen guitarist Brian May, actresses Joanna Lumley and Annette Crosby, and UN Messenger of Peace and chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall.