PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
BADGER SNARES (24 June 2002)

That this House notes with concern the new report by the National Federation of Badger Groups which shows 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 to adequately 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; 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.

Sponsored by:
Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat)