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Publication - Consultation analysis

Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill - use of snares and powers of Scottish SPCA inspectors: consultation analysis

Published
7 November 2023
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Part of
Environment and climate change, Farming and rural, Programme for Government
ISBN
9781835215852

Findings from our consultation on the use of snares and powers of Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) inspectors.

View supporting documents Supporting documents

Annex C

Question response rates

The table below shows the number of responses received, and the percentage of all substantive responses, for each consultation question.

Question number Question Number of responses % of total 5289
1

Do you agree with our proposals to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Act so that it is an offence to:

a) use a snare or other type of cable restraint for the purpose of killing or trapping a wild animal and;

b) use a snare or other type of cable restraint in any way that is likely to injure a wild animal

 5285 99.9%
2 Do you think that the Scottish Government should consider allowing an exception for the use of snares for the live capture of mammals for research purposes for example, catching foxes to allow tracking devices to be fitted? 5261 99.5%
3 If you answered yes question 2, do you agree than anyone using snares for this purpose would require a licence from NatureScot. NatureScot are Scotland's nature agency. They work to improve the natural environment in Scotland so that nature in Scotland is maintained and enhanced. They currently manage a wide range of licensing schemes in Scotland, including non-native species licensing and muirburn licensing. 2076 39.3%
4 Other than for the purpose set out in question 2, are there any other purposes for which you think an exemption should be available to allow a person to use a snare or cable restraint to temporarily capture a wild animal? 5251 97.4%
5 Do you agree with our proposal to provide Scottish SPCA inspectors who are acting under their existing powers under the 2006 Act, with additional powers to search, examine and seize evidence in connection with specific offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981? 5254 99.3%
6 Do you agree with our proposal to provide Scottish SPCA inspectors who are acting under their existing powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, with additional powers to search, examine and seize evidence in connection with specific offences under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill. 5245 99.2%
7 Do you agree with the limitations and conditions placed on these proposals set out below?
  • these powers would only be given to a Scottish SPCA inspector appointed by the Scottish Ministers under section 49(2)(a) of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006;
  • inspectors would be individually authorised by the Scottish Government and that Authorisations could be withdrawn at the discretion of the Scottish Government;
  • all inspectors would be required to undertake specified training prior to being given authorisation to exercise the new powers.
 5213 98.6%

Contact

Email: rebecca.greenan@gov.scot

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