Released to press on 03 October 2011
Today, animal welfare charity OneKind launched SnareWatch, a new web-based initiative designed to collect information about the use of animal snares in the UK, and the welfare problems caused by these traps. The site also offers people advice on what to do if they find an illegal snare. www.snarewatch.org
Snares are wire nooses intended to catch foxes and rabbits but also catch other wild animals including protected species such as badgers, otters and wildcats, farmed animals and even people’s beloved pet cats and dogs. Although designed to immobilise their targets, snares can inflict horrendous injury and in many cases cause an agonising death. In 2005, the report of the UK Independent Working Group on Snaring (IWGS) set the proportion of non‐target captures between 21% and 69% in the UK.
Libby Anderson, Policy Director at OneKind, said: “OneKind believes that snares are outdated and cruel and should be banned in the UK. SnareWatch has been developed as a focal point for individuals and groups, interested in animal welfare, to gather information about the nature and extent of snaring; and to gauge whether current legislation is working to protect animals as it should. Although we believe that snares cannot be used without causing significant animal suffering, many people, including some politicians, believe that they are necessary and – if not entirely humane – then perhaps “the least inhumane” option available. SnareWatch is designed to show the truth about how these traps are used.”
Musician and animal welfare campaigner Brian May is one of those who have been quick to support SnareWatch. He said: “In Britain, a country which likes to be known as a nation of animal-lovers, our wild animals are still being shockingly abused. To change attitudes to these innocent creatures - to put protection in place to safeguard them from cruelty - is a long haul. A prime focus of OneKind's activity is to bring to an end the despicably cruel practice of setting snares for wild animals - which cause them a slow and appallingly painful death. Thousands of snares are set every year, by land owners who make fortunes from tourists who shoot to kill for fun. It's time to put the brakes on this unjustifiable barbarity.”
Organisations supporting SnareWatch to date include: Hare Preservation Society, Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust, League Against Cruel Sports, Save-Me and Scottish Badgers.
Libby Anderson adds: “There has been very little independent assessment of the extent of snare use and the prevalence and nature of animal suffering. OneKind published new research in 2010, and the UK environment department DEFRA also commissioned research in 2008 but we are still awaiting the results.
“OneKind believes that every animal is an individual and if any animal suffers, that matters. To get a more accurate picture of the effect of snaring on the welfare of animals, we need real reports about real incidents, throughout the UK, hence the need for SnareWatch.”
An independent opinion poll carried out last year for OneKind found that 77% of people in Scotland thought snaring should be illegal; and a joint survey carried out by OneKind and the League Against Cruel Sports in 2008 found that 75% of vets in Scotland believed snaring should end.
Anyone wishing to report a snaring incident or requiring further information about snaring should visit: www.snarewatch.org
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For further information please contact Fin Robertson at OneKind on 0131 225 6039 or 07590 428845. fin.robertson@onekind.org
To keep up to date with our work please follow us on Twitter: @onekindtweet. And on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/onekindfb
Notes to Editors
OneKind www.onekind.org
OneKind is a leading UK animal protection charity based in Edinburgh that promotes a lifestyle that is animal-friendly; and works with leading lights in academia and science to advance knowledge and understanding of animals. We influence positive legislation in the UK and beyond. We work alongside the public, educators, scientists and key decision makers to achieve progressive social change.
For further information please contact Fin Robertson at OneKind on 0131 225 6039 or 07590 428845. fin.robertson@onekind.org
To keep up to date with our work please follow us on Twitter @onekindtweet and on Facebook www.facebook.com/onekindfb