This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6186028.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Views sought over use of snares Views sought over use of snares
(about 9 hours later)
New proposals to tighten current laws on the use of snares in Scotland are going out for consultation.New proposals to tighten current laws on the use of snares in Scotland are going out for consultation.
There are concerns some devices, which are currently permitted, can cause unnecessary suffering to wild animals if misused.There are concerns some devices, which are currently permitted, can cause unnecessary suffering to wild animals if misused.
Views are being sought on whether there should be an outright ban or if new measures making it easier to trace snare owners go far enough.Views are being sought on whether there should be an outright ban or if new measures making it easier to trace snare owners go far enough.
The closing date for the consultation is 28 February.The closing date for the consultation is 28 February.
Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said: "I am committed to protecting Scotland's rich and diverse wildlife and ensuring that our wild animals are treated humanely.Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said: "I am committed to protecting Scotland's rich and diverse wildlife and ensuring that our wild animals are treated humanely.
It is to our shame that Scotland remains one of a small minority of countries within the EU that still allow these barbaric devices to be used Ross MinettAdvocates for AnimalsIt is to our shame that Scotland remains one of a small minority of countries within the EU that still allow these barbaric devices to be used Ross MinettAdvocates for Animals
"The use of snares to trap wild animals is an emotive subject and I know a lot of people feel very strongly about how it should be regulated."The use of snares to trap wild animals is an emotive subject and I know a lot of people feel very strongly about how it should be regulated.
"This consultation gives them an opportunity to help shape modern laws to help deal with modern land management issues."This consultation gives them an opportunity to help shape modern laws to help deal with modern land management issues.
"I encourage everyone with an interest in Scotland's valuable natural heritage to make their views heard over the next 12 weeks.""I encourage everyone with an interest in Scotland's valuable natural heritage to make their views heard over the next 12 weeks."
Ross Minett, director of Edinburgh-based Advocates for Animals, told BBC Scotland's news website: "All snares are unnecessary, indiscriminate and can cause terrible suffering. Ross Minett, director of Edinburgh-based Advocates for Animals, told the BBC Scotland news website: "All snares are unnecessary, indiscriminate and can cause terrible suffering.
"Advocates for Animals will continue to campaign for a complete ban on the manufacture, possession, sale and use of snares in Scotland."Advocates for Animals will continue to campaign for a complete ban on the manufacture, possession, sale and use of snares in Scotland.
"It is to our shame that Scotland remains one of a small minority of countries within the EU that still allow these barbaric devices to be used."It is to our shame that Scotland remains one of a small minority of countries within the EU that still allow these barbaric devices to be used.
"If the Scottish Executive really wants to help stop suffering caused to wild animals then it will introduce a complete ban on all snares in Scotland at the earliest opportunity.""If the Scottish Executive really wants to help stop suffering caused to wild animals then it will introduce a complete ban on all snares in Scotland at the earliest opportunity."