Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment

11. Consumer Assessment

The proposals relating to wildlife traps and muirburn are not thought to have an impact on consumers as the amendments to the existing law and the creation of the new offences will only impact on those undertaking those activities, committing the offences under the Bill, those enforcing the rules and the licencing authority.

The proposals relating to grouse moors will have a minimal impact on consumers as any person who shoots grouse will be required to reasonably believe that the owner or occupier held a licence in relation to that land.

The proposals relating to glue traps will have a minimal impact on consumers as not all individuals controlling rodents use glue traps. For those who do use them a ban on the use and sale of glue traps will require the use of an alternative method of rodent control.

As stated above, there are already a number of alternative methods available at a comparable cost, we therefore estimate that the short term impacts will be minor and the medium to long-term impacts will be cost-neutral.

Our proposals will include a transition period before then ban comes into force. To allow individuals to source alternative methods of rodent control.