Rules designed to make animal snares less cruel will come into force today, despite a widespread campaign to have the devices banned outright. Used predominantly to trap foxes who may prey on farm animals, new laws set mean the traps will now have to be checked once a day. Nooses will no longer be allowed to tighten beyond a certain point and the traps will need to be fixed down to ensure they cannot be dragged by injured animals. The Scottish Government measures will also make it illegal for snares to be set to trap and suspend or drown creatures.

Supporters of the measures insist snares are a vital conservation tool and key for managing pests such as foxes. However, opponents say that they are a crude measure and should be banned outright.

Louise Robertson, from the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “These regulations are a complete whitewash and will go no way towards reducing the huge level of suffering caused by such a basic wire trap. The government based its decision purely on the financial gain to be made from commercial shooting and with complete lack of regard for animal welfare. As long as snares are legal, animals will continue to suffer horrific injuries and slow, agonising deaths.”

However, the government insists it has not stopped one step short. The Snares (Scotland) Order amends the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and MSPs say the changes were agreed following wide public consultation.

Source: STV

Anna Claxton