I understand the strength of feeling on this
issue and would like to clarify the situation. Self-locking snares have been
banned since 1981, but the use of free-running
snares is permitted. Animals are, however, protected from unnecessary suffering under the Animal Welfare Act 2006,
and this includes any caught in snares.
In 2008 the Department for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs commissioned research to determine the extent of the use and
humaneness of snares in England and Wales. This was published in March
2012. After considering its findings Lord de Mauley, who was at the time
the Minister responsible for policy on wildlife management, held constructive
meetings with people who use snares and those opposed to them. He made it clear
that both sides must work together to help end irresponsible snare use.
It is encouraging that Ministers are working
with these groups to agree a means of monitoring compliance, and to consider
improvements to the Code of Practice on the use of snares. I hope all
sides will contribute to this work so that there is a marked improvement in the
use of snares.
