Part of 5. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:07 pm on 15 November 2017.
Thank you, Cabinet Secretary, for everything that you've said, but I have to say that I was particularly horrified about the events that followed the escape. I'm particularly concerned that the lynx was killed when, in my opinion, it could have been trapped. I looked at the traps that were used and there is criticism about that—about the fact that they weren't appropriate and that they could have been better all round, because the animal had to crouch down rather than walk into the traps that were put out to capture it live. I wonder whether questions will be raised about that process. I was then absolutely horrified to hear that an animal in capture was killed because of inexperience in handling and moving those animals. So, all of this, I suppose, leads to an obvious question, and that is: when licences are being issued, whether there is consideration, at least, about the experience of the staff as well as the facilities in which those animals are going to be held. Also, I would support what Simon Thomas has said about whether we need to look at reviewing this whole system and the wider issues around that, and whether licences are being given too easily, in some cases, in the name of conservation, when actually sometimes the ultimate aim is making money.