1. What analysis has the Welsh Government made during this Senedd term of how the Code of Practice on the Use of Snares in Fox Control has worked? OQ56037

Thank you. Following the publication of the code in 2015, my officials have met annually with stakeholders to gather evidence on the use of snares in Wales. The evidence gathered is used to assist officials in considering whether a voluntary approach in driving up operator practice and animal welfare standards is working.

Thank you, Minister. One hundred and fifteen cases of animals trapped in snares have been reported to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals since the code was introduced. Wild animals, including protected species, farm animals and pets, with many of these cases involving traps set in breach of the code, and this, of course, could just be the tip of the iceberg. 

Animal welfare charities rightly say that the code isn't working. The only way to stop this indiscriminate suffering is to bring in a ban. So, I was disappointed to see that the agriculture White Paper only talks about regulation. The voluntary approach hasn't worked, so why does the Welsh Government feel that regulation rather than an outright ban on the cruelty and pain caused by snares is the right way forward?

Thank you. You do raise a very important point and I think it is important that we continue to try and collect evidence on snare use in Wales where we can. But, clearly, we do need clear requirements, I think, for recording and reporting, in order that our evidence base is complete. As you're aware, I have published the agricultural White Paper today, which will pave the way for a Wales agricultural Bill in the sixth Senedd term. That will have provisions in it that will give Welsh Ministers the legislative powers to regulate all aspects of sale and use of snares, and, clearly, that is something that could also be considered in that piece of legislation.  

Minister, the use of snares is a barbaric act and has no place in modern cruelty-free Wales. The code of practice allows the immoral trade in fox fur to continue, and does nothing to stop immense suffering to target and non-target animals. The RSPCA regularly deals with badgers and pet cats that have spent days trapped in snares. Minister, do you agree with me that the code is unworkable and unpoliceable, and needs to be scrapped in favour of a total ban of this barbarism in Wales? 

[Inaudible.]—will have heard my answer to Vikki Howells and the possibility of bringing in further legislation within the agricultural Bill. But I do think that it is important that the code of practice remains there to promote best practice, and that stake snares, for instance, should only be used when other control methods are not available.