Call for total ban on snares that cause ‘vicious suffering’
A LABOUR MS has called on the Welsh Government to introduce a complete ban on the use of snares – traps that are used to catch animals in the open countryside.
Vikki Howells, who represents Cynon Valley, made the call during a reception for the League Against Cruel Sports that she sponsored at the Senedd.
Ms Howells said: “This meeting gives us the opportunity to reflect on how we treat animals, how we approach the world around us and especially how we can make sure that animals are not hurt or abused.
“The League’s campaign against snaring is a cause I am particularly passionate about.
“Snaring is the barbaric practice where traps are set to catch stray animals.
“Their targets are so-called predatory species, but as well as being a deeply cruel method to deal with these, the other problem is that they are completely indiscriminate and catch any animal which is unfortunate enough to cross their path.”
According to official figures, three quarters of all animals caught in snares were not the target species.
“Victims of snares include farm animals, domestic pets, protected species such as badgers and otters,” said Ms Howells. “All can fall victim to snares. “What happens to an animal when it’s caught in a snare? The self-locking mechanism traps that animal and they can die from strangulation and horrific injuries from wires cutting into their flesh.
“There are examples of animals self-mutilating to try to escape, of animals dying from starvation, of animals being prey to other species.
“There is a code of practice here in Wales, but concerns have been raised about compliance. The code isn’t working.
“As that is the case and snares can cause such vicious suffering, the only humane thing to do, I believe, is to ban their use.
“Last year I was delighted to have the opportunity to bring forward a bill to ban snares, but I’m even more pleased that such a bill won’t be needed going forward.
“That’s because the Welsh Government has confirmed that its Agriculture (Wales) Bill will ban snaring. I know this is something that the Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, is really supportive of.
“We’re expecting the bill this autumn, but it’s critical that the bill doesn’t just ban the use of snares.
“It must also outlaw their sale, manufacture and possession.
“We need a complete ban.”