Cats Protection says Scotland’s ban on snares is a turning point for animal welfare and will prevent cruel and horrific deaths being inflicted on pets and wildlife.

The UK’s largest cat says the new law – to come into effect in November – will end the horrific suffering of cats and other animals captured in snares.

Alice Palombo, Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Scotland at Cats Protection, said: “We’ve campaigned for this ban for many years, after seeing too many cats suffering agonising injuries and deaths from being caught in snares. It’s a landmark for animal welfare in Scotland, and will put an end to the cruel and horrific pain that snares inflict on pets and wildlife.

“Snares are indiscriminate – they will capture and maim any animal unfortunate enough to come into their path. Once trapped, animals – which may be pets or wildlife – often suffer long, painful deaths. The few which manage to escape or are found are likely to be left needing amputation of limbs and life-changing injuries.

“This ban sends a message that cruel and inhumane practices no longer have a place in our society, and we will continue to campaign for snares to be banned across the UK following Scotland’s example.”

The Bill was also welcomed by cat owner Marion Brownlie, of Aberdeenshire, whose pet cat Harry was found collapsed in a field with horrific injuries last year.

Harry’s injuries were so appalling that she at first believed he had been “cut in two” when he was discovered close to his home in St Cyrus.

It is thought the ginger-and-white moggy may have been trapped in the snare for five agonising days before he was able to drag himself to safety.

Having confirmed his injuries were caused by a snare, vets carried out surgery to repair a deep wound running from hip to hip across Harry’s abdomen. He was later able to return home but needs to be confined to a cage for rest during his recovery.

Marion said: “Harry had been missing for five days when we found him collapsed in a field and it was like something from a nightmare – I was afraid to pick him up as it looked as though he’d been cut in two. He must have been in agony, but somehow he was still alive and after lots of veterinary treatment and rest he pulled through.

“No animal deserves the pain and suffering that these inhumane devices inflict, and I’m incredibly relieved that they have finally been banned.”

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For more information, please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on media.office@cats.org.uk or call 01824 741 911.