New laws are proposed to improve protections for wild and domestic animals, as well as migratory species.

The multiple changes the Environment and Infrastructure committee hopes to introduce in Guernsey would bring local legislation in line with the UK.

The committee says its proposals will address inhumane practices.

They would prevent the exportation of livestock for slaughter beyond the British Isles, prohibit the farming of animals for fur, feathers or hide as a primary product (excluding wool) and ensure that stunning and slaughtering instruments are of an acceptable humane standard.

A number of traps would also be banned.

States Veterinary Officer David Chamberlain says some are indiscriminate and cruel.

"Snares, leg-hold traps and glue traps are cruel by design and can cause enormous animal suffering.

We have found evidence that snares are still being set in Guernsey, including when a cat returned home with what appeared to be a homemade snare around his neck last month."

Glue, snare and leg-hold traps

'Lamping', where artificial lights are used to capture animals would also be banned, except under licence for environmental or scientific purposes.

Force-feeding to produce the controversial French 'foie gras' pate and circuses parading wild animals would also be prohibited.

E&I President Lindsay de Sausmarez says these are proactive changes.

"We have typically said what is allowed and left what is not allowed silent.

It has been a bit of a grey area and often a bit misunderstood as a result.

We think it is actually important to be explicit about what is not allowed and what we don't want to see in Guernsey.

We don't think we've currently got any foie gras production on the island, but we don't want to be in a position where someone applies for a licence to do exactly that, and we don't want to endorse it, but actually there is nothing in our law saying that we can't do it.

It is long understood to be an inhumane practice."

Foie gras (image from Timolina)

"We also don't have a live issue with wild animals appearing in circuses, but we don't want to be in a position where because we are one of the very few places that doesn't say you can't, that someone tries their luck.

It's about being clear about what we want to prohibit in Guernsey."

The committee also wants to give greater enforcement powers for animal welfare investigations.

Deputy de Sausmarez says they would be in line with similar types of legislation.

"For example, when it comes to other aspects of health and safety, there would be similar levels of powers afforded to the people with responsibility for enforcing that legalisation, so people can respond in good time.

At the end of the day, we want to make sure that if there is an animal suffering, that the suffering is not extended, because, for example, an inability for someone to enter premises without 24-hours notice."