The issue of snaring was back at the top of the agenda in Holyrood this week as the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Animal Welfare hosted a debate to thrash out the arguments for and against snaring.
The event was an ideal opportunity for MSPs who are undecided on the issue to hear both sides of the arguments and decide for themselves whether or not snaring should continue to be legal practice in Scotland.
Arguing for snaring was Jonathan Hall of the National Farmers’ Union Scotland, Simon Lester, from the Langholm Moor Project and Adam Smith of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust. Arguing against the use of snaring was Mike Flynn from the Scottish SPCA, George Leslie a veterinary surgeon and the League’s Louise Robertson.
The emotive subject of snaring pulled in a good crowd with many of the Cross Party Groups’ membership turning out as well as a good mix of MSPs. The arguments to retain snaring focused on the lack of alternatives, conservation reasons and their importance to the hill farming industry in Scotland.
The arguments against snaring highlighted the unacceptable levels of animal suffering and the sheer inhumanity of these types of traps. It was pointed out that the Scotland's major conservation bodies, including the RSPB, John Muir Trust and Scottish Wildlife Trust manage land for conservation without the use of snares and questioned why those who manage land for game shooting, yet insist they need snares for conservation purposes can't do the same?
A vote followed the debate with a very even 13 votes each with four abstentions.
The Parliament will have the chance to vote on this issue at Stage 3 of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill in March when an amendment will be tabled calling for a complete ban on snaring. It's crucial MSPs know what constituents feel about this issue so if you live in Scotland please take action and tell the eight MSPs who represent you that you support a complete ban on the use of all snares.