Thursday 29 November 2018

CHANGES TO STOAT TRAPS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW



The fully approved Tully Trap, designed by SGA member Darryl Elliot, will become legal at the end of February, 2019.

Following changes to the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards, members and supporters should make themselves aware of new guidance recently announced by GWCT as these will have consequences in less than 5 weeks.

To simplify:

  • By end of February 2019 (in Scotland), the Tully trap will become lawful for stoat weasel and rat trapping, providing it is set in a tunnel ‘suitable for the purpose’ in respect of non-target animals and human safety.
  • By end of February 2019 (in Scotland), DOC traps (DOC150, 200, 250) can be used in run-run-through tunnels for stoats, weasels and rats but not for grey squirrels, providing the tunnel ensures humane-ness and  is ‘suitable for purpose’. All 3 DOCs can also be used in baited, single entry traps.
  • By end of February 2019 (in Scotland), Goodnature A18 squirrel traps are legal. 

On 31st March 2019, Humane Trapping Standards Regulation 2019 comes into force. This means that only 12 months remain to replace outgoing traps.

On 1st April 2020, Fenn/Springer, WCS Tube, BMI Magnum will become illegal for stoats and should not be used.

To find out more about the Tully Trap, see the video, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=gKA7IWm_tI4