By Steve Bargeton, political editor

ACTIVISTS DRESSED as giant animals marched on Holyrood yesterday calling for a ban on snares.

They branded snares—a thin wire noose to trap animals such as foxes and rabbits—as “inhumane” but countryside groups said they are a vital tool for land management.

A new advertising campaign against snaring, featuring the slogan, “Hanging is still legal in Scotland,” is being launched.

It includes an advert to be shown in cinemas, plus posters on buses and a website. Research by the League Against Cruel Sports showed 75% of Scots back a ban.

“No commercial or sporting interest can justify trapping thousands of animals in nooses to suffer terribly and die a lingering death,” said campaigner Louise Robertson. “Our politicians must act to bring Scotland in line with almost every other EU state. We urge the Scottish Government to bring in legislation to ban all snaring.”

The campaign has won cross-party support. MSP Christine Grahame, SNP convener of the cross-party animal welfare group, said, “The practice is absolutely barbaric and has no place in the 21st century.”

Labour MSP Irene Oldfather said, “Use of snares is a cruel practice, designed to cause unnecessary pain and torment,” and Green MSP Robin Harper said, “Snares can’t distinguish between species and routinely kill protected species like otters, and many pets, including cats and dogs.”

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation Scotland (BASC Scotland), Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA), Scottish Countryside Alliance (SCA), Scottish Estates Business Group (SEBG) and Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) yesterday issued a joint statement defending the use of snares.

“…We strive constantly to find solutions that balance the needs of welfare with essential management. Game shooting is vitally important to the economy (£240 million a year) and culture of rural Scotland and we want to protect game species.

“We also work hard to protect species of high conservation value… In order to protect (them), pests such as foxes and rabbits must be controlled. Snaring is a vital tool for land managers and is already subject to strict legislation and codes of practice, with penalties for illegal activity,” they added.

“But we are not complacent and continue to work towards better technology and training and ensuring high standards.”

A spokesman said the Scottish Government will state its position within weeks.