Citation, commencement and interpretation.
1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Snares Order (Northern Ireland) 2015, and shall come into operation on the day after that on which it is affirmed by resolution of the Assembly.
(2) In this Order “the 1985 Order” means the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.
Setting and using snares
2. A snare is to be treated as having been used in a manner which constitutes an offence under Article 12(2F) of the 1985 Order if it is used or caused or permitted to be used otherwise than in accordance with regulations 3 to 6.
Check that snares are free-running.
3.—(1) Any person who sets a snare in position must, while it remains in position, check that it is free-running or cause it to be checked at least once every day.
(2) Any person who, while carrying out such a check, finds that the snare is not free-running, must remove the snare or restore it to a state in which it is free-running.
(3) In this paragraph a snare is “free-running” if—
(a)it is not self-locking;
(b)it is not capable (whether because of rust, damage or other condition or matter) of locking; and
(c)subject only to the restriction on such movement created by the stop fitted in accordance with regulation 4(2) and (3), the noose of the snare is able at all times freely to become wider or tighten (and is not prevented from doing so whether because of rust, damage or other condition or matter other than the stop).
Snare stops and swivels
4.—(1) A person who sets in position or otherwise uses a snare must ensure that the snare is fitted with a stop which complies with this regulation.
(2) The stop must be capable of preventing the noose of the snare closing beyond the stop.
(3) Where the person intends to use the snare to catch foxes, the snare must be fitted with a stop which is capable of preventing the noose of the snare reducing in circumference to less than 23 centimetres.
(4) A person who sets in position or otherwise uses a snare must ensure that the snare incorporates a swivel to facilitate twisting by any animal caught by the snare.
Snare anchors
5.—(1) A person who sets a snare in position must—
(a)stake it to the ground, or
(b)attach it to an object,
in a manner which will prevent the snare being dragged by an animal caught by it.
Location of snares
6. A person must not set a snare in a place or in such manner where an animal caught by the snare is likely to—
(a)become fully or partially suspended, or
(b)drown.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of the Environment on 6th October 2015.
Dave Foster
A senior officer of the Department of the Environment