The Scottish Government on the use of snares and increased SSPCA powers

Answer Yes

Agree that snares should be banned and refer to the following reasons:

1. Snaring is inhumane, causing severe suffering to animals.

Many case studies and scientific reports demonstrate that snares are inherently inhumane, causing prolonged suffering and often a slow agonising death to wild and domestic animals. Much of this occurs when the wire can twist and tighten leading to strangulation or other severe injuries.

Sites where animals have been caught in snares show signs of extreme disturbance to the surrounding ground - known as “doughnuts” - where the animal has tried to run jump or scramble its way out of the trap.

2. Snares are indiscriminate

Snares and inherently indiscriminate and regularly catch a wide range of non-target species including Scottish wildcats, mountain hares, badgers, hedgehogs, deer, otters, and family pets. Scientific reports estimate that between 21% and 69% of animals caught in snares were not target species.

3. Snares are unnecessary and counter-productive.

Most snares are set on shooting estates to target foxes so that there can be more grouse to shoot for sport. Science shows that if a fox is killed it is usually replaced by another fox within a short space of time.

4. There are alternatives to cruel and indiscriminate snares.

These include cage trapping, the use of guard species, such as llamas who can protect lambs from foxes and shooting foxes at night using thermal imaging sights.

Answer No

Disagree that there should be any exception to a ban on the use of snares.

Because of the reasons given in Question 1 that snares are cruel and indiscriminate – there can be no circumstances where they could be used without endangering both target and non-target animals.

Leave unanswered.

Answer No

Because of the reasons given in Question 1 that snares are cruel and indiscriminate – there can be no circumstances where they could be used without endangering both target and non-target animals.

Answer Yes

Agree to the SSPCA getting additional powers.

Point out that these powers would allow SSPCA inspectors, who are already on location investigating wildlife crime, to search, examine and seize evidence. For example, if inspectors were investigating an animal welfare incident where it appeared that there was evidence of wildlife crime on that land, then they would be able to seize other potential evidence in the area. Previously, they would have needed the assistance of Police Scotland to do this. This should lead to more effective policing of wildlife crime in Scotland and could help decrease the number of wildlife crimes committed, as more cases would be investigated with additional expertise. This would not only deter potential offenders, but also help achieve a higher detection rate and reduce suffering to wild animals.

Answer Yes.

Point out that these powers would allow SSPCA inspectors, who are already on location investigating wildlife crime, to search, examine and seize evidence. For example, if inspectors were investigating an animal welfare incident where it appeared that there was evidence of wildlife crime on that land, then they would be able to seize other potential evidence in the area. Previously, they would have needed the assistance of Police Scotland to do this. This will lead to more effective policing of wildlife crime in Scotland and could help decrease the number of wildlife crimes committed, as more cases would be investigated with additional expertise. This would not only deter potential offenders, but also help achieve a higher detection rate and reduce suffering to wild animals.

Agree

Point out that these conditions appear to be sensible.

Complete your own details and consents.