Explanatory note

This Order revokes and replaces the Spring Traps Approval Order (Northern Ireland) 2012 (S.R. 2012/25).

Under Article 12A(1) of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 it is an offence to use or permit the use of, for the purpose of killing or taking animals, any spring trap other than an approved trap or uses or permits the use of an approved trap for animals for which it is not approved or sells or exposes or offers for sale any spring trap other than an approved trap with a view to its being used for an unlawful purpose, or has in his possession any spring trap for an unlawful purpose.

Article 2 specifies approved traps, namely those listed in Column 1 of Schedule 1 and others which are equivalent in all relevant respects to those so listed. Conditions attached to the approval of each type of trap are specified in Column 2 of Schedule 1. The Order adds 9 types of traps to those approved under the previous Order and 8 traps previously approved have been removed.

Article 12A(1) of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 does not apply to traps of any description specified by Order of the Department as being solely used for the destruction of rats, mice or other small vermin. Article 3 specifies such traps, namely those mentioned in Schedule 2 to the Order.

This Order was notified in draft to the European Commission in accordance with Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules on Information Society services (OJ No. L 241, 17.9.2015, p.1).

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.