14. Will the Minister provide an update on banning the use of snares in Wales? OAQ(5)0047(ERA)

The Welsh Government’s code of practice on snares places the welfare of animals at its core. The code was published last year and provides clear guidance on the operation and inspection of fox snares. I would be prepared to consider taking further steps, should the code prove ineffective.

I thank the Cabinet Secretary for that response, which is encouraging. I am sure she’s aware that, in Wales, more than 1,000 pets and wild animals are caught every day in snares, and 370,000 animals are snared every year, according to figures from the League Against Cruel Sports. Public opinion is clearly in favour of a ban. So, can I urge her to see how the code of practice is actually operating? Certainly, there is public demand for a ban on snares, so could she look into that, please?

I said in an earlier answer to Mohammad Asghar that the way we treat our animals really reflects on our society’s values. As the code of practice states, snares should only be used when other control methods are not available. I am very happy to assure the Member that I will monitor it, and if it’s not effective, I will look at further action. We are also discussing with stakeholders how the code is being implemented to give me that assurance.