Fox snaring - a code of practice
Facts about setting snares, the use of Reanardine and other control methods.
FOX control is necessary in order to ensure that damage by fox predation is reduced to acceptable levels, particularly at vulnerable times of the year e.g. nesting and lambing time.
It is the responsibility of all those involved in fox control to ensure their methods are legal, humane and carried out with sensitivity and respect for other countryside users. Snaring is subject to legal restrictions and, when properly practised, is an effective and humane form of fox control.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Section 11, and Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 Article 12 it is illegal to:
• set in position any self- locking snare.
• set in position any trap or snare calculated to cause bodily injury to any wild animal included in Schedule 6.
Schedule 6 includes, badger*, pine marten*, otter*, red squirrel*, wild cat*, polecat.
• set in position any snare and fail to inspect it, at least once a day.
*Note: pine marten, otter, red squirrel and wild cat are now listed in Schedule 5 of the Act and are therefore fully protected. The badger and its sett are also protected under the Badgers Act 1992. Wild cat and polecat are excluded from the Order.
Under the Deer Act 1991, Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 and Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 Article 12 it is also an offence to:
• set in position any trap or snare calculated to cause bodily injury to any deer coming in contact with it,
• use for the purpose of taking or killing any deer any trap or snare.
The presence of foxes will be indicated by:
• Fox tracks (footprints)
• Long reddish brown hairs caught on bramble, twigs or wire.
• Strong musty smell.
If in doubt do not set a snare!
To snare foxes humanely, adhere to the following rules;
• Only free running snares which contain a ‘permanent stop’, 9” (23cm) from the eye of the snare should be used.
• Use good quality snares which incorporate a strong swivel. The wire must not be less that 460lbs (208 kilos) breaking strain.
• Snares should be supported by a suitable ‘tealer’ or set-stick and set firmly in the ground. Tealers made from fence- wire are easy to conceal, set and make.
• Snares must be firmly anchored.
• Ensure that snares run freely and are free of ‘kinks’. Snares which are frayed or damaged should be discarded.
• Snares should be set so that the bottom of the loop is at least 9” (23cm) off the ground under normal conditions and up to a height of 12” (30cm) or more, on open ground. When setting snares at these heights the loop should be 6” to 7” (15/18cm) at its deepest point.
The law requires that snares should be checked at least once a day. The law recommends inspection at least twice a day and as soon after dawn as is practical.
Foxes should be dispatched quickly and humanely by a shot from a rifle, shotgun or pistol and the body disposed of responsibly e.g. by burying.
The displaying of carcasses serves no useful purpose and can offend other countryside users.
When setting snares every effort must be made to avoid the capture of non-target and protected species. A knowledge of the tracks, trails and signs of both target and non-target species is essential.
Renardine
Renardine was the only legally permitted chemical deterrent which was effective against foxes and badgers. As from the 24th March 2005, Renardine has been banned. Importantly, ALL the approvals for Renardine have now expired. This means that:
• Renardine can no longer be advertised for sale.
• Renardine can not be bought from any shop, wholesaler, mail order, agricultural supplies merchants, internet or by private sale.
•Renardine may no longer be supplied, sold, given away or swapped.
•Renardine may no longer by used.
•Renardine may no longer be stored (so any stocks you have must be disposed of).
•RenCoco ( Renardine- impregnated cocoa shells) has also been banned.
Other control methods
“Brush Off ” Fox Repellent uses a patented, non toxic, fox repellent spray to keep foxes away from protected areas. It works by mimicking scent marking odours leading any foxes that may be present to vacate the area in the belief that another animal has taken over its territory. The repellent is totally safe for use at sports venues and on plants and is believed to be both humane and very effective.
Experiments carried out by Greenwich University on the subject of Ultrasonic devices were found to be broadly ineffective, but the ScareCrow Motion Activated Deterrent System was found to be very effective.
The ScareCrow motion- activated sprinkler automatically detects foxes as they approach, and repels them with a short but startling burst of water. The sudden noise, movement and spray scares animals away, teaching them to avoid the area in future. One ScareCrow covers 1200 sq.ft
More info at
www.foxsolutions.co.uk
New fire safety regulations
New fire safety rules affecting all non- domestic premises in England and Wales came into force on 1st October 2006.
If you are: • responsible for business premises
• an employer or self-employed with business premises
• responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purposes
• a charity or voluntary organisation
• a contractor with a degree of control over any premises
...then you need to act now to ensure you have a suitable and sufficient risk assessment in place.There are a series of guides available for assistance online, including a self-assessment form on the Fire Gateway website
www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id =1162101 and
www.fire.gov.uk/Workplace+safety/
To be honest, they are not the most straightforward of websites to navigate round. We have been advised that you should contact your local fire brigade who will offer free advice and guidance.
If you require further information you can also email
fire.safetyreform@
communities.gov.uk
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