On October 26, the much-anticipated consultation on the Wildlife Management (Grouse) Bill was published by the Scottish Government. The consultation entitled ‘Wildlife Management in Scotland’ is seeking feedback on the key provisions that are set to be contained within the Bill which are:
- the licensing of grouse shooting;
- the licensing of muirburn;
- enhanced restrictions for making muirburn on peatland;
- enhanced requirements for using traps;
- introduction of disqualification powers for snaring offences;
- introduction of a requirement for snaring operators to update records every 48 hours and submit records to the Police on demand, or within 7 days to a police station;
- and banning the use of glue traps.
There are two provisions that may be introduced to the Bill, pending ministerial decisions. These provisions are:
- enhanced powers for the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) to investigate wildlife crime;
- and a ban on the use of snares.
The consultation deadline is Wednesday 14th December 2022 and you can read it in full by clicking here. We will continue to monitor the progress of the Bill and provide an update in due course. If you have any questions regarding the proposals contained in the consultation paper and how they affect you, please get in touch.
