March 3rd, 2011

SNARING BAN DEFEATED

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has expressed his disappointment that the Scottish Government has blocked an attempt to ban animal snaring.

During a debate this week on the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill, an amendment was put forward that would have introduced an outright ban on the manufacture, sale, possession and use of snares in Scotland.

But the amendment was defeated by a coalition of the SNP and Tories in the parliament.

Mr McNeil said: “It is clear that snaring causes indiscriminate and unacceptable suffering to foxes, rabbits and badgers and previous attempts to make them safer have not worked.

“The SSPCA has reported some horrific and distressing examples of the damage this barbaric practice can bring upon animals.

“It is clear that public opinion is strongly in favour of a ban and I am disappointed that this opportunity has been missed to bring this to an end.”