Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill: use of snares and powers of Scottish SPCA inspectors: Consultation
Feedback updated 27 Nov 2023
We asked
Our Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill consultation sought views on wildlife management and the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill ("the Bill"). It was set out in 2 parts, relating to the use of snares and cable restraints in Scotland and relating to the powers of Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (“Scottish SPCA”) inspectors. The consultation opened on 22 August 2023 and closed on 3 October 2023.
You said
We received 5,289 responses to our consultation questions. These included responses from 79 organisations and 5,210 individuals. Respondents included animal welfare organisations, land management organisations, sporting organisations, conservation organisations, pest controllers and public bodies.
Respondents were generally supportive of the proposal to prohibit the use of snares to take or kill wild animals in Scotland, and to provide individually appointed Scottish SPCA inspectors with additional powers to aid in their investigations relating to wildlife crime.
A full analysis of the consultation is available on the Scottish Government website.
We did
The Scottish Government intends to implement the proposals set out in the consultation to ban the use of snares and extend the powers of Scottish SPCA inspectors, by amending the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill at Stage 2. More information is available on the Scottish Parliament website.
Overview
This consultation is seeking views on topics related to wildlife management and the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill ("the Bill").
It is set out in 2 parts. Part 1 relates to the use of snares and cable restraints in Scotland and Part 2 addresses matters relating to the powers of Scottish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (“Scottish SPCA”) inspectors. You can complete both sections in the consultation or only the section which is of interest/relevance to you.
The Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 21 March 2023.
In autumn 2022 the Scottish Government consulted on a range of proposals to be included in the Bill. The analysis of the responses to the Wildlife Management in Scotland consultation (the “consultation”) was published on 3 April 2023.
While this consultation included some questions on the use of snares in Scotland, the consultation paper noted that “…[the Scottish Government] may undertake further consultation on additional proposals to amend the legislation governing the use of snares, at a later date.”
It also noted that:
“Through an independent taskforce, [the Scottish Government will] consider whether the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) should be given extra legislative powers to investigate wildlife crime. This group will report before the end of 2022…Depending upon the recommendations of the review we may include provisions relating to the powers of Scottish SPCA in the Wildlife Management (Grouse) Bill, in which case a separate consultation with interested parties will be undertaken.”
Why your views matter
We would like to hear from those affected by these proposals, including those involved in land management, predator control, and those with views on wildlife welfare and enforcement.
We want to ensure that decisions on any ensuing legislation are made with a sound understanding of the issues and implications.
What happens next
After the consultation closes, we will analyse the responses to inform decisions on any ensuing legislation.
Interests
- Environment and Climate Change
- Main hub
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