In December, The SGA's Parliamentary Officer Victoria Greening responded to a consultation on the General Licences 2012.
In particular, SNH wanted the SGA's views on the use of the clam or Larsen mate trap and evidence of its potential to cause injury to birds of prey that get accidentally caught.
In the absence of any such evidence, the SGA argued that the Larsen mate trap continue to be defined and used under the existing category “any other crow cage trap”. The SGA also welcomed the opportunity to participate in further consultation to clear up any perceived ambiguities, should this be required.
From this, SNH issued a summary of the responses, including ours, and announced that the General Licences would remain un-amended for the coming year. Victoria was able to confirm with SNH that, until further consultation takes place later in the year, the use of the Larsen mate trap remains legal. Notwithstanding this, SNH note the use of this type of trap could still be challenged under animal welfare legislation.
Members must take the customary care to ensure that these traps require crow cage numbers to be attached to them, as is the same with all other crow cage traps.