Controlling wild species
In this section you can find out more about controlling wild species - one of the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) current issues.
Background
There have been decades of debate regarding methods of controlling wild species that threaten human and farmed animal populations by spreading disease or killing for food. It is argued that it is necessary to control certain native species for the benefit of another; however, the general public often has strong opinions about such species. These opinions are often associated with whether the animal is perceived as being a “pet or a pest”.
BVA position
The BVA calls for a system to be put in place to assess the humaneness on all traps.
- Snaring - The BVA remains supportive of the findings of the report of the Independent Working Group on Snares until the results of the Defra study into the humaneness of snares are known. Until there is further scientific data available the BVA’s Ethics and Welfare Group has developed an interim view that in some circumstances snaring is the least inhumane method where control is seen as necessary, but there are concerns regarding the high percentage of non-target species caught in snares.
- Glue Traps - BVA believes that glue traps should only be used by suitably trained people and should be checked on a daily basis.
What the BVA has done
- In February 2009 meeting, the BVA Ethics and Welfare Group (EWG) produced a framework
to be used by organisations that were looking at controlling a particular wild species. This document was sent to the Welsh Assembly for their consideration regarding their Intensive Action Pilot Area aimed at dealing with Bovine TB in badgers and cattle.
- In February 2009 the EWG formed a policy position on the trapping of wild animals
More information