Will you show your support for the Scottish Government’s proposed snaring ban?

The Scottish Government has proposed a snaring ban in Scotland, following decades of campaigning from ourselves and like-minded organisations and individuals.

We strongly support a ban on the use of snares in Scotland.

Please respond to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the use of snares and powers of Scottish SPCA inspectors, using our supporter guide. It should only take 10 minutes of your time.

Supporter guide

Respond to the consultation

1. Do you agree with our proposals to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Act so that it is an offence to: a) use a snare or other type of cable restraint for the purpose of killing or trapping a wild animal and; b) use a snare or other type of cable restraint in any way that is likely to injure a wild animal

We suggest answering Yes.

We strongly support this proposal by the Scottish Government. We have been campaigning for a ban on snares for years.
You may want to mention:

• The harms caused by snaring, which can include: injuries, such as internal organ damage; strangulation; exhaustion; hunger and thirst; self-mutilation in an attempt to escape; fear and distress; risk from predators and exposure to the elements while trapped.
• Animals may suffer for hours. See examples here and here.
• A wide range of species are found caught in snares, including foxes, badgers, deer, otters, and companion cats and dogs. Up to 72% of animals caught in snares are ‘non-target’ species.
• 76% of the Scottish public support a snaring ban in Scotland.
• The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission has recommended that the sale of snares and their use by both public and industry are banned in Scotland, on animal welfare grounds. The British Veterinary Association has also recommended a ban on snares.
• No changes to design or name can make snares humane, as the method inherently causes suffering.

2. Do you think that the Scottish Government should consider allowing an exception for the use of snares for the live capture of mammals for research purposes for example, catching foxes to allow tracking devices to be fitted?

We suggest answering No.

You may want to mention:

• The harms snares can cause are still a risk to any animal trapped in them, regardless of the reason.
• Research should be carried out ethically. The use of snares is never justified, regardless of any research benefits.

3. If you answered yes to question 2, do you agree that anyone using snares for this purpose would require a licence from NatureScot?

We suggest you do not answer.

4. Other than for the purpose set out in question 2, are there any other purposes for which you think an exemption should be available to allow a person to use a snare or cable restraint to temporarily capture a wild animal?

We suggest answering No.

• The harms snares can cause are still a risk to any animal trapped in them, regardless of the reason.
• The use of snares is never justified.

Questions 5, 6 and 7 ask if you agree with the proposal to provide the Scottish SPCA with additional powers to investigate wildlife crime. We support this proposal and the excellent investigative work of the Scottish SPCA, and suggest answering yes to all of these questions.