Early day motion 158

SNARES

• Session: 2006-07
• Date tabled: 20.11.2006
• Primary sponsor: Drew, David
• Sponsors:
  • Baker, Norman
  • George, Andrew
  • Russell, Bob
  • Spink, Bob
  • Widdecombe, Ann

That this House notes with concern that badgers, domestic pets, livestock and other animals continue to be severely injured and killed by snares; expresses particular concern that self-locking snares, made illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, are still being used in the UK; notes that free-running snares are legal for the control of foxes and rabbits but are by their nature indiscriminate and therefore cause considerable pain and suffering to many animals; further notes that the Independent Working Group on Snares supports the notion of snares as indiscriminate when it reported it would be difficult to reduce the number of non-target animals caught below 40 per cent.; recognises that the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in relation to snares are difficult to enforce and have failed adequately to protect wildlife from unnecessary suffering and death; further notes that a 2005 Communicate poll reported 78 per cent. of the public find snaring `totally unacceptable'; and calls on the Government to support legislation for the abolition of the manufacture, sale and use of all snares.