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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 3

Written Answers. - Animal Rights.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

145 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the concern of many individuals and organisations at the cruel methods used to snare badgers; and the regulations in force to allow badger snares. [28228/00]

Complaints regarding the operation of my Department's wildlife policy have been received from time to time from individuals and from organisations. The issues raised have been addressed and my Department has also reported on the issue to the Bern convention of the Council of Europe.

My Department has in the past evaluated various methods for capturing badgers. The method currently used is considered to be the most humane method available. Though commonly referred to as a snare, this is technically incorrect as the device is designed specifically to restrain rather than to choke or squeeze on the target animal. The noose on the device is stopped and so is prevented from pulling tight and injuring the badger.

All animals captured are subjected to post mortem examination, which includes monitoring for welfare purposes. Evidence from this post mortem data supports the view that the method used does not present a welfare problem for badgers. Field staff are fully trained in the correct application of the restraints used and a quality control system is in place at the production stage of the device. Other methods of capture have been evaluated but none has demonstrated any welfare advantage over the current method. While my Department continues to refine and look for improvement in capture methods and procedures, I am satisfied that the system currently applied represents a humane method of capture of the species.

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