Moves by the Scottish Government to ban snare traps has been slammed by a major rural organisation as a "crippling blow to attempts to reverse biodiversity loss."

The SNP/Green coalition has launched a consultation on an outright ban on snare traps as part of plans which they say will protect vulnerable wildlife and promote sustainable wildlife management.

The consultation is seeking the public’s views on whether an outright ban should be put in place or if any exemptions should be considered and is also asking for opinions on extending the investigative powers of the Scottish SPCA.

Environment Minister Gillian Martin said: “Snare traps lead to unnecessary suffering for animals and these proposals are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that wildlife management is both sustainable and humane.

“Currently, only a small number of farmers and land managers use snare traps. More effective and humane forms of managing wildlife are available and we will continue to support the industry to make use of these methods.

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“Wildlife crime and the illegal killing of wild mammals continues to blight our rural communities. By extending the investigative powers of SSPCA inspectors, we can ensure that the destructive impact that these criminals have on our environment is diminished and that they are brought to justice.”

Subject to consultation, the new provisions would be included in the Scottish Government’s upcoming Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill which will aim to protect the environment and help end the persecution of birds of prey.

However, Scottish Land and Estates say measures to conserve species such as black grouse, curlew, golden plover, grey partridge, lapwing and oystercatcher will be severely harmed.

Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “It is deeply regrettable that, at a critical moment in efforts to sustain biodiversity in rural Scotland, the Scottish Government is moving towards a ban on the use of snares, thereby removing another tool to manage predation pressure on vulnerable species.

“Ground nesting birds such as curlew and lapwing were once common but are now red-listed species and are at risk from generalist predators, including foxes. Being able to undertake sensible predator control using legally set snares has helped to ensure those birds can breed and have the chance to maintain viable populations.

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“The Scottish Government’s decision comes immediately after the introduction of the Hunting with Dogs Act, which will make predator control using dogs to flush foxes more difficult. Today’s announcement, if it results in an expected ban, will make it impossible for land managers to prevent biodiversity loss in some areas of Scotland.

“We urge the Scottish Government to give consideration to retaining humane cable restraints (HCRs) – devices which are differentiated from conventional snares by the presence of two swivels; a breakaway device; as well as a stop crimped at 26cm from the running eye – which have been constructed with the principal aim of managing predation and protecting animal welfare.

The consultation is now open available online. It runs until October 3.