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Wales votes in favour of snare ban
According to research by Defra, nearly 75 per cent of animals caught in snares are not the intended species.

The first UK nation to make steps towards ban.

The Welsh parliament has voted in favour of banning snares. The vote took place on Tuesday, 16 May, and was part of the third stage of a debate on the Agriculture (Wales) Bill.

The legislative process will now move to its fourth and final stage, when Senedd is expected to ratify the bill, subject to King’s consent. A ban will come into force two months after receiving royal assent. 

Snares are wire traps used by famers and gamekeepers to catch foxes, rabbits and brown hares. Under the Animal Welfare Act (2006), operators are responsible for avoiding the unnecessary suffering of any captured animal, and they are urged to understand and follow the relevant code of practice.

Even when used responsibly, the devices trap indiscriminately, and according to research by Defra, nearly 75 per cent of animals caught in snares are not the intended species. They can catch animals such as deer, badgers, and even domestic dogs and cats.

Wales is the first country in the UK to make steps towards a snare ban, and the vote follows five years of campaigning by UK animal welfare charity, the League Against Cruel Sports.

Will Morton, head of public affairs at the League Against Cruel Sports said: “Wales is leading the way in animal welfare by being the first country to ban these cruel and indiscriminate traps. 

“We thank the thousands of campaigners who are backing the ban in Wales and the MSs who gave cross party support to make it become a reality."
 
The charity now plan to lobby the UK and Scottish governments to enact similar legislation in England and Scotland.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.