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Scotland passes snare ban bill
Snares were banned in Wales last year.
Glue traps for rodents also banned under the legislation.

The Scottish Parliament has passed legislation that will ban the use of snare traps in Scotland.

MSPs voted by 85 votes to 30 to pass the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill on Thursday, 21 March.

The bill bans the use of snares – wire traps which have been used to catch animals such as foxes, hares, and rabbits. The use of glue traps for any animals other than invertebrates will also become illegal, meaning they can no longer be used on rodents.

Animal welfare groups had criticised both forms of traps as cruel and indiscriminate.

There will be a new licensing scheme for killing certain birds (at first, only red grouse) and a new code of practice for managing land on which hunting takes place.

The legislation also makes it possible to increase the powers of inspectors, such as those from the Scottish SPCA, to enter premises to gather evidence when investigating certain wildlife crimes.

New rules on muirburn, in which vegetation is burned in moorland areas, are also included in the bill.

Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie described the bill as “a significant step in our wider journey to ensure Scotland’s environment is managed sustainably”.

The legislation has been welcomed by animal welfare groups and campaigners, including the charities Scottish SPCA and OneKind.

Bob Elliot, OneKind director, said: “This is a monumental day in Scotland. The Scottish public have made it very clear that they want to see snares consigned to the history books and the Scottish government has listened. We are delighted that the Scottish Parliament has passed a ban on these archaic traps.”

However, the move has been criticised by the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA). Alex Hogg, chairman of the SGA, said: “We have deep fears for the future of red-listed species because of the snaring ban. The impacts of this step must be robustly reviewed and challenged, if need be.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.