A new consultation has been launched on banning the traps.

The Scottish government is asking the public to share their views on whether a ban on snare traps should be introduced as part of a consultation that may lead to a change in the law.

The public are also being asked for their opinions on proposals to extend the investigative powers of the Scottish SPCA. The changes would grant the charity’s inspectors more authority to search, examine, and seize evidence related to illegal hunting and wildlife persecution.

The consultation will run for six weeks from 22 August to 3 October. Depending on the results, the suggested proposals could be included in the upcoming Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill.

Used for wildlife management, snares are thin metal nooses which trap animals. The law in Scotland currently allows them to be used to catch foxes, hares and rabbits, with restrictions in place about how they are set and how often they are checked.

Animal welfare organisations have campaigned against snares as cruel and indiscriminate. Earlier this year, Wales became the first country in the UK to ban their use.

Environment minister Gillian Martin said: “Snare traps lead to unnecessary suffering for animals and these proposals are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that wildlife management is both sustainable and humane.

“Currently, only a small number of farmers and land managers use snare traps. More effective and humane forms of managing wildlife are available and we will continue to support the industry to make use of these methods.

“Wildlife crime and the illegal killing of wild mammals continues to blight our rural communities. By extending the investigative powers of SSPCA inspectors, we can ensure that the destructive impact that these criminals have on our environment is diminished and that they are brought to justice.”

The proposal to ban snares has been welcomed by the Scottish SPCA.

Mike Flynn, Scottish SPCA chief superintendent, said: “As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we have long called for an outright ban on the use of snares due to the level of suffering an animal is caused, whether snares are used legally, or illegally.

“Animals that are caught in snares can be caused unimaginable physical and mental anguish. Snares are non-selective and can just as easily harm a domestic animal as well as non-targeted wildlife.”

Since 2019, the Scottish SPCA has recorded 14 cases of domestic animals being caught in snares, including a cat named Rufus who in 2021 was caught by an illegal trap in Edinburgh.

Mr Flynn added:“Rufus was thankfully unharmed but other animals have not been as lucky. In 2016 we investigated an incident in East Kilbride where a cat named Stripey sadly lost his leg after being caught in a snare and seriously injured.

“We are very pleased that steps are being made towards an outright ban, which will be a historic moment for animal welfare in Scotland.”

Image (C) Scottish SPCA