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<p>We are aware of the concerns around the use of snares, which can cause immense
suffering to both target and non-target animals. It is an issue we are looking at
closely as part of our continued drive to maintain the highest animal welfare standards
in the world.</p><p> </p><p>Anyone using snares has a responsibility under the Animal
Welfare Act 2006 to act within the law to ensure their activities do not harm protected
species or cause any unnecessary suffering.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has no current
plans to ban the use of all animal snares. Snares are controlled in England and Wales
under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This already prohibits the use of self-locking
snares and the setting of any type of snare in places where they are likely to catch
certain non-target animals such as badgers. It also requires snares to be inspected
on a daily basis.</p><p> </p><p>When practised to a high standard, and in accordance
with the law, snaring can offer an effective means to reduce the harmful impacts of
foxes on livestock, game and wildlife.</p><p><em> </em></p><p>The code of practice
for the use of snares to control foxes in England can be found at <a href="https://basc.org.uk/cop/snares-for-fox-control-in-england/"
target="_blank">https://basc.org.uk/cop/snares-for-fox-control-in-england/</a>. This
code is designed and owned by the sector, rather than Government. It sets out clear
principles for the legal and humane use of snares, using evidence from snare use research
to improve snare deployment and design.</p>
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