THE SCOTTISH government must take action to prohibit snares, cruel traps that can cause suffering to Scotland's wildlife. Such a move would be supported by the vast majority of people in Scotland and lead the way for the rest of the UK.

A snare is a primitive means of "pest" control, consisting of a thin wire noose used to trap wild animals. They are used by some farmers to catch rabbits, and by gamekeepers to catch foxes. The purpose of a snare is to trap the animal by tightening as it struggles, but they can cause serious injury and a slow and painful death. Trapped in a snare, an animal can suffer dehydration, starvation and distress and is at greater risk from predators.

A Scottish SPCA report on snaring, released in December 2007, revealed that more than half the animals reported were either found dead in the snare or had to be put out of their misery.

Snares are indiscriminate. Protected species such as otters and badgers, as well as livestock, hare, deer and even domestic cats and dogs, can be caught in a snare. The Scottish SPCA report showed that of the animals caught in snares, only 23% were the intended foxes or rabbits. Users of snares may regularly risk prosecution for breach of conservation laws. To prevent the capture, killing and injuring of European protected species it is necessary to prohibit snaring.

Many thousands of animals are caught in snares in Scotland annually, but exact figures are unknown as there is no requirement to keep records.

An opinion poll showed that only 19% of people in Scotland knew snares were still legal. Once so informed, 75% thought they should be banned.

Advocates for Animals and the League Against Cruel Sports have launched a public education campaign, Hanging Is Still Legal In Scotland, featuring advertising on buses, cinema advertisements, a two-week tour of major cities and a website, www.bansnares.com.

A ban on snares is supported by the Hare Preservation Trust, Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust, International Otter Survival Fund, Scottish Badgers, the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust and the Scottish SPCA. Only an outright ban will stop the suffering caused by these traps.

The UK is one of a minority of European member states that still allow snares to be used. There is solid cross-party support in the Scottish parliament for a ban. An announcement by the government next month is eagerly awaited.