THE Government has launched a public consultation on new trapping standards, GWCT would like to inform its members.
For the next six weeks, Defra is urging farmers, gamekeepers, land managers, trap retailers, manufacturers and importers and pest control companies to give their views on The Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards.
Depending on the responses to the consultation, the Government wants to implement the new standards on 1st January 2019.
Head of predation at GWCT, Jonathan Reynolds, said: “Morally, it’s hard to argue against improvements in humaneness, but members will be anxious to avoid loss of utility or affordability.
“Virtually all game shoots will be affected by the policy proposed in this consultation. The manner and timing of the changes are critical.
“We urge members to make their views known to Defra by responding to this consultation.”
The Government will respond to the consultation shortly after the six-week consultation ends. Members can respond by completing the Citizen Space Survey here by 30th April.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk