Scotland snare ban comes into force
“Snares are indiscriminate – they will capture and maim any animal unfortunate enough to come into their path” – Alice Palombo.
A ban on the use of snares in Scotland has come into force. The new law, part of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill, came into effect on 25 November.
The wire traps had been used to catch animals such as foxes, hares, and rabbits. However, they had been criticised by animal welfare organisations for pain they caused wildlife and the danger of pets being caught in them.
Cats Protection is one of the charities which has campaigned for several years for a ban.
Alice Palombo, advocacy and government relations officer for Scotland at Cats Protection, explained: “Snares are indiscriminate – they will capture and maim any animal unfortunate enough to come into their path.
“Once trapped, animals – which may be pets or wildlife – often suffer long, painful deaths. The few which manage to escape or are found are likely to be left needing amputation of limbs and life-changing injuries.”
The charity has highlighted the case of Harry, a pet cat from St Cyrus, Aberdeenshire, who was injured by a snare last year. Harry is believed to have been trapped in the snare for five days before he dragged himself to safety.
He received emergency surgery on a deep abdominal wound and was able to return home to his owner Marion Brownlie.
Ms Brownlie said: “Harry had been missing for five days when we found him collapsed in a field and it was like something from a nightmare – I was afraid to pick him up as it looked as though he’d been cut in two.
“He must have been in agony, but somehow he was still alive and after lots of veterinary treatment and rest he pulled through.”
Last year, the use of snares was banned in Wales. Although they currently remain legal to use in England, a ban on their use was included in the Labour Party manifesto.
Ms Palombo added: “This ban sends a message that cruel and inhumane practices no longer have a place in our society, and we will continue to campaign for snares to be banned across the UK following Scotland’s example.”
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