USE OF SNARES

Early day motion 858, tabled 10 March 2003 by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 63 members.

That this House notes with concern that badgers and other animals are being severely injured and killed in snares; expresses particular concern that self-locking snares, illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, are still being used in Britain; further notes that free-running snares are legal for the control of foxes and rabbits, but are indiscriminate and cause pain and suffering to many animals, including protected wildlife, domestic pets and livestock; 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; welcomes moves by the Scottish Executive to amend the provisions of the Wildlife and countryside Act in relation to snares; expresses concern that snares will not be addressed in the new Animal Welfare Bill; notes that the Government has a responsibility to comply with the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, which prohibits the use of all indiscriminate means of capture and killing; and calls on the Government to abolish the manufacture and use of all snares.

Signatures by party: Labour 36, Liberal Democrat 15, Conservative 6, Labour/Co-operative 5, UUP 1.