Huhne calls for a ban on snares

9.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 18th Aug 2005

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has called for a ban on the use on snares saying they cause animals unnecessary pain and suffering.

Mr Huhne has supported a motion in parliament on the issue. Commenting, he said: "We should ban the sale, manufacture and use of snares as the animals caught in them often suffer an agonising and prolonged death.

"Self locking snares were rightly banned due to the horrendous injuries they cause animals yet we know the law is being flouted as they are still in use.

"The use of free running snares is permitted but they cause considerable pain and suffering to any animal which is caught.

"Snares are an indiscriminate form of pest control and they will injure any animal that comes into contact with them, including domestic pets.

"At present the law is too vague with far too much room for abuse. Snares are supposed to be inspected every 24 hours so that animals which are trapped do not dehydrate or starve.

"Those who set snares can easily ignore these regulations and it is very difficult to demonstrate that any offence has taken place.

"A blanket ban would be easier to police and those who wilfully cause animals pain and suffering could be more easily prosecuted.

"It is unacceptable that we allow the cruel practice of snaring to continue. I call on the government to outlaw the use of snares and demonstrate a real commitment to animal welfare".

Notes to Editors

Chris Huhne signed early day motion 75 as follows:

SNARES

That this House notes with concern that badgers, domestic pets, livestock and other animals continue to be severely injured and killed by snares; expresses particular concern that self-locking snares, made illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, are still being used in the UK; further notes that free-running snares are legal for the control of foxes and rabbits but are by their nature indiscriminate and therefore cause considerable pain and suffering to many animals; recognises that the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in relation to snares are difficult to enforce and have failed adequately to protect wildlife from unnecessary suffering and death; and calls on the Government to support the abolition of the manufacture, sale and use of all snares

Ends