Fox death prompts police warning on use of snares

Police are urging anyone who uses animal snares in the borough to ensure they comply with the law.

A PSNI spokesperson pointed out that snares can be used in Northern Ireland to control foxes but are intended for use to capture the animals for humane dispatch, not as a way to kill them.

Used properly, snares can be used to protect other birds/animals.

The use of snares is subject to a number of legal requirements under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (NI) 2011.

PSNI Wildlife Liaison officer Emma Meredith said: “The law as it stands in Northern Ireland has four main requirements.

“Firstly, the use of a self-locking snare is prohibited and it is also an offence to sell or offer for sale a self-locking snare, or to be in possession of a self-locking snare without a reasonable excuse.

“Secondly, it is a requirement that snares are checked at least once a day (i.e. at intervals of no more than 24 hours) and any animals caught by the snare must be released or removed.

“Failure to remove an animal, whether alive or dead, during such an inspection also constitutes an offence.

“Thirdly, it is an offence to set in position or otherwise use any snare which is, due to its design or the manner in which it is used, calculated to cause unnecessary suffering.

“Finally, no-one should be in possession of a snare or set a snare on any land where the permission of the owner or occupier of that land has not been obtained, unless there is a reasonable excuse.

“This amendment in 2011 means that an owner or occupier of land can determine his or her own policy in relation to snares.”

“Police will continue to give attention to areas where they believe snares are being used illegally.

“The message from police is to comply with the requirements and stay legal,” said Emma.