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Trapping

Volume 494: debated on Monday 15 June 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is on the practice of snaring; and if he will make a statement. (277991)

The Government consider that where there is a need for wildlife management then the proper use of snares is one of a range of control methods. Used according to best practice, snares can be an effective and practical means of wildlife management and are needed where other forms of pest control are ineffective or impractical. Self-locking snares have been banned for over 20 years and continue to be so.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 contains strong protection for animals under the control of man to help prevent unnecessary suffering including any animal held in a snare.

The “Defra Code of Good Practice on the use of Snares in Fox and Rabbit Control in England”, published in 2005 details the legal obligations for people using snares in England and provides guidance on responsible use.

DEFRA commissioned a research project, beginning on 1 February 2008, to determine the extent of use and humaneness of snares in England and Wales. The project aims to provide a more informed basis for future discussions and policy decisions on snares.