Early day motion 314

SNARES

• Session: 2007-08
• Date tabled: 20.11.2007
• Primary sponsor: Drew, David
• Sponsors:
  • Baker, Norman
  • Lepper, David
  • Soulsby, Peter
  • Spink, Bob
  • Widdecombe, Ann

That this House notes with concern that badgers, otters, 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 not only to the target species, but to many non-targeted animals; further notes that the Independent Working Group on Snares agreed that snares were indiscriminate when it reported that it would be difficult to reduce the proportion of non-targeted animals caught below 40 per cent.; believes 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; welcomes the Scottish Executive's 2007 decision to consult on a ban on snares; further notes that responses to the Scottish consultation were 70 per cent. in favour of a ban; and calls on the Government to consult on the abolition of the manufacture, sale and use of all snares.