OneKind

Ending cruelty to Scotland's animals

Thank you for writing to the Minister in favour of a snaring ban.

If you haven't taken part in our action yet, you can do that here.

You can also help us reach even more people by sharing our campaign on social media.

 

Can you donate today to help consign snares to the history books?

The Scottish Government is currently reviewing snaring which means that a ban on snares in Scotland is finally a real possibility. That's why we need your help! Snares are anchored loops of wire or steel cable, strategically placed to try to catch wild animals deemed to be ‘pests’. They are designed to catch foxes, hares or rabbits around the neck and restrain them until the operator comes to kill them. Snares cause considerable physical and mental suffering to the animals trapped in them.

Who uses snares?

Snares are primarily used by gamekeepers to target foxes, who are natural predators to red grouse. Gamekeepers manage the land to have as many red grouse as possible for people to shoot for ‘fun’. Snares are also used by some farmers.

The suffering caused by snares

Snares can cause deep wounds. Animals may also suffer from hunger, thirst, exposure, or predation. Snares also catch many species of ‘non-target’ animals. In fact, up to 72% of animals caught are non-target species such as badgers, deer, and even companion animals such as cats and dogs. Any animal unfortunate enough to be caught can suffer greatly. They may spend hours scared and distressed, struggling to set themselves free. Often there are ‘doughnuts’ of disturbed ground around them as evidence of their struggle.  Legally, snares only have to be checked every 24 hours. This is an extremely long time for a distressed and possibly wounded animal to be trapped.

The legality of snares in Scotland

Shockingly, snares are still perfectly legal in Scotland. But there is a real chance now for us to change that, and we need your help. As I mentioned, the Scottish Government is considering the possibility of a ban. This follows many years of OneKind’s campaigning on this issue. OneKind helped to influence changes to the law in 2011 that brought better regulation of snaring, and further changes in 2017 that meant snares stopped being used for mountain hares.

But enough is enough. It is impossible to regulate cruelty. The only acceptable solution is a full ban on the sale, manufacture, possession, and use of snares. 

 

 

On behalf of the whole OneKind team, thank you again for everything you do to help protect animals, and for your support throughout this campaign.

By making a donation towards our work, you will help:

  • Raise awareness of the persecution our wildlife receives and help to change mindsets through public education and campaign materials.
  • Demonstrate that the public does not support the use of these cruel, indiscriminate and arachaic devices.
  • Help us to continue working to ensure legislation is effective in protecting animals.

Read more about our appeal to ban snares.

Thank you for your gift. It’s only with your support that we can raise awareness and create long term change, helping to end the persecution of our wild animals.

 

 

Can you help us reach £5,000?

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