'No excuse' to use snares to kill wildlife, says Highland MSP
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A Highland MSP says there is "simply no excuse" for using snares to trap wildlife in the 21st century.
Green MSP Ariane Burgess welcomed the launch of a consultation by the Scottish Government into a ban on the use of the wire traps.
The Scottish Greens, who have an agreement with the SNP, had a manifesto pledge to ban the use of snares as well as spring traps, stink pits and cage traps, which the party says are often used on grouse moors.
Ms Burgess said: “Trapping animals in snares is cruel, barbaric and needs to end. These traps can inflict deep wounds, internal organ damage and death. There is simply no excuse for this to still be happening in a modern Scotland, where we know we need to protect our wildlife, not eradicate it.
“Thousands of snares and traps litter Scotland's countryside and indiscriminately kill, maim and wound our wildlife. Up to 70 per cent of animals caught in snares are not the species the traps were set for.
- Related news – Should snares be banned? Scottish Government launches consultation on 'inhumane' traps
“Scottish Greens have long called for these to be outlawed. I welcome that the Scottish Government is moving closer to a ban and would urge as many people as possible to take part in the consultation.
“Just this week a ban on snares was made into law in Wales. It’s time for Scotland to follow suit.”
The consultation began on Tuesday and runs until October 3.
