Leading animal welfare charity welcomes Scottish Government consultation to ban snares

The League Against Cruel Sports Scotland has welcomed today's (Tuesday) announcement by the Scottish Government that it will consult with a view to banning snares.

The consultation, which will form part of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill, will seek views on whether an outright ban should be put in place for the use of snares, or if any exemptions should be considered.

A snare is a thin wire noose used for catching a wild animal, most commonly used for predator control on shooting estates.

Robbie Marsland, Director of the League Against Cruel Sports, Scotland said:

“The League has been proud to join the loud and anguished call over many years for the use of cruel, primitive and indiscriminate snares to be banned. While we welcome and applaud the Scottish Government’s intent to consider a ban, we are under no illusions the strength of feeling among those who wish to use snares in the countryside.

“The Government will face fierce opposition to these proposals but the arguments to outlaw their use once and for all, far outweigh any arguments to continue using this as a method of trapping and killing hundreds of thousands of wild animals, and non-target species, every year.”

The consultation is also asking for opinions on extending the investigative powers of the Scottish SPCA - a new measure which will help tackle wildlife crime.

Robbie Marsland added: “Our field workers have had to document and photograph an appalling array of mutilated foxes, exhausted badgers and even snared cats and dogs in order to demonstrate why these devices should be consigned to history.

“But with snares gone, the killing will continue. While we welcome the removal of one cruel and inhuman method of killing, we still deeply question why hundreds of thousands of animals will continue to be killed each year to make sure there are more grouse to shoot for sport.”

The consultation will run for six weeks from late August until the beginning of October 2023. Following this, the new provisions would be included in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill which is currently at Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament.

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Notes to editor

1. The League Against Cruel Sports is Britain's leading charity that works to stop animals being persecuted, abused and killed for sport. The League was instrumental in helping bring about the landmark Hunting Act. We carry out investigations to expose law-breaking and cruelty to animals and campaign for stronger animal protection laws and penalties. We work to change attitudes and behaviour through education and manage sanctuaries to protect wildlife. Find out more about our work at www.league.org.uk. Registered charity in England and Wales (no.1095234) and Scotland (no.SC045533).
2. Footage and images showing snares and a snared badger can be downloaded here and must be credited League Against Cruel Sports Scotland.
3. Media enquiries to Louise Robertson on 07930 539832 / louise@messagematters.co.uk