A report has found that snaring related incidents have reduced while making recommendations for further improvements in the law.

The new proposals seek to further refine snaring practices, which will mostly be delivered through the Snaring Code of Practice. These include:

• Implement a time period for updating snare records and reduce the time allowed for producing records to the police
• Introduce the power of disqualification for a snaring offence
• Changes to fox snares including enlarging the noose size to 26cm and increase the number of swivels to a minimum of two
• Consider how a strengthened Code of Practice can be better endorsed through legislation

Welcoming the report Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham said:

“The review has highlighted that the legislative changes made to snaring regulations in 2011 appear to be working satisfactorily. However, I recognise there is room for further improvement in line with the findings of the review. 

We will consider the proposed changes to legislation and ask Scottish Natural Heritage to take forward work to revise the Code of Practice in line with the recommendations in the review.”

Background

The production of the snaring review report is a statutory requirement. The review was undertaken by SNH on behalf of Scottish Government, it is laid in the Scottish Parliament.

Snaring Review Report

Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011