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Government

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Animal welfare groups pledge to carry on fight to have wire traps made
illegal in Scotland

Government’s snare decision branded ‘a mockery of democracy’
Published: 08/05/2008

Scottish ministers were last night accused of making a “mockery of
democracy� by refusing to listen to public opinion and ban the use of
snares

Animal rights activists are furious that they are refusing to change
the law despite the fact that 7,182 out of 7,192 people who have
lobbied the Scottish Government on the issue since last May have
called for it.

Snares are commonly used by gamekeepers on estates across the north of
Scotland to catch foxes. They are thin wire nooses that silently
garrote the animals.

It is difficult to control what kind of animals are caught in snares
and it is not uncommon for cats and dogs to become trapped.

Campaigners say a freedom of information request has revealed that, in
advance of Environment Minister Mike Russell’s recent announcement
that he intends to allow snaring to continue, the government was
working closely behind the scenes with organisations wanting snaring
to continue.

League Against Cruel Sports spokeswoman Louise Robertson, said last
night: “It is absolutely staggering that the will of so many people
was clearly ignored in the government’s decision to allow snaring to
continue. It makes a complete mockery of democracy.�

Advocates for Animals political director Libby Anderson added: “We
have seen an official consultation ignored and now we see the extent
to which personal messages to the minister were also ignored.

“These latest figures demonstrate yet again that there is overwhelming
public support for a ban on snaring, and our campaign will continue
until these cruel and indiscriminate traps are made illegal in
Scotland.�

Highlands and Islands MSP David Stewart, who released the information,
said the government has shown a “total lack of regard� for the
feelings of Scots.

Mr Russell said he did not think an outright ban was the best option
for Scotland as they are an essential tool for land management and
pest and predator control.

He admitted, however, that more had to be done to eliminate bad
practice.