Welsh snaring ban would put fragile species at risk

Wildlife managers and shooting organisations have expressed concern over the impact of a proposed snare ban in Wales on wildlife.

BASC’S head of game and wildlife management, Glynn Evans, who gave evidence to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee on the Agriculture (Wales) Bill, said: “Modern humane cable fox restraints are an effective and humane form of catching and holding foxes. They meet the requirements of international standards for such devices, in accordance with the Welsh government’s own code of practice.

“Moving forward with a ban on these devices will remove an essential tool for conserving our most precious species and will risk resulting in local extinctions.”

Welsh pest controller

Rhys Allans told Shooting Times: “There are types of ground on which shooting is not a viable means of controlling foxes and the only option is snaring. Banning snaring would give foxes free rein in those areas. The Welsh government may be trying to push back on shooting, but it is curlew and lapwings that will really suffer.”

A ban on humane snares will remove a key tool for conservation