Snares are used to catch foxes, rabbits, and other animals. They cause significant suffering to target and non-target animals alike. Reform is long overdue.
Snares cause significant suffering regardless of whether they capture target or non-target animals. Animals caught in snares experience panic, injury from struggling, dehydration, and prolonged confinement before the trap is checked. Non-target species including protected badgers, deer calves, and domestic pets are frequently caught. Even well-set free-running snares cause distress through restraint alone. Scotland's snare ban demonstrates that pest control can be carried out without snares. The welfare case for a comprehensive snare ban in England is compelling and has been supported by veterinary bodies.