Threat to new beaver family in the Highlands of Scotland

A family of beavers found living on a river in the Beauly area in the Scottish Highlands are to be trapped and put into captivity following a decision by Scottish Government Ministers. Trees for Life, the charity which discovered the group, says the family should either stay where they are or be relocated locally.

Film from camera traps set by the conservation experts from the charity in mid-June clearly show the presence of a mother and at least two

The Press Association: MSPs face snare ban proposals vote

I was born and raised on a farm. I've worked in farming, forestry and game keeping and I did my share of hunting, shooting, fishing and trapping before I saw the light; so I don't want any one telling me I don't understand what I'm talking about.

Snares, along with all outlawed forms of trapping are cruel, indiscriminate and barbaric, no matter how carefully they are used; and have no place in an enlightened society.

Those people who continue to advocate the use of snares should be ashamed of themselves; and I'm sure that if they spent a night with a snare wrapped around their neck they would have a different opinion in the morning.

There are humane methods for catching and controlling animals when it's absolutely necessary, and I do stress the word necessary.

It's unfortunate that the human animal still doesn't seem to be able to respect and tolerate other life forms, without feeling the need to destroy everything that is an inconvenience.

I sincerely hope the Scottish Government does the decent thing this time and finally bans the use of snares.

The Press Association: MSPs face snare ban proposals vote