The decision contradicts overwhelming public support for a ban on these cruel and indiscriminate traps, and follows an official public consultation which revealed a majority of more than 2:1 in favour of a ban.

Instead of a ban, the Minister Mike Russell has proposed to attempt to regulate the practice through a package of technical measures. However, we do not believe such measures will stop the wide-scale suffering or prevent the capture of non-target animals, including protected species.

The current regime already involves technical distinctions and voluntary codes of practice, but fails to prevent animal suffering.

In our view, a ban on all snares will ultimately be the only way to address animal welfare and conservation concerns.

In addition, cruelty – in whatever form it takes – whether inflicted on humans or animals, can never be regulated, only abolished.

We would like to thank the thousands of supporters in Scotland and beyond who have supported our campaign thus far by helping to raise the profile of snaring in the Scottish Parliament and the media, and the large number of supportive MSPs from all parties. Readers can continue to support our campaign at www.bansnares.com

Snares have no place in 21st Century Scotland. The campaign to ban snaring in Scotland will continue until these primitive traps are finally prohibited. – Yours etc,

ROSS MINETT, Advocates for Animals, 10 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PG.

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