Wild Animals

Snaring and Trap Welfare: Evidence and Reform

Snares and leghold traps cause significant welfare harm to targeted and non-targeted wildlife, with campaigns for stricter regulation or bans gaining ground across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Facts

Self-locking snares — the most common type — progressively tighten as the animal struggles
Non-target species including domestic pets, badgers, and otters are commonly caught in snares
Wales banned snare use in 2023, the first UK nation to do so
Scottish snare law reform is under active legislative consideration
American Veterinary Medical Association opposes leghold traps as inhumane

Welfare Considerations

Animals caught in self-locking snares experience progressive injury and extreme distress as they struggle against tightening wire. Non-target animals caught in snares may remain trapped for hours or days before being found. The indiscriminate nature of snaring means that welfare harm extends well beyond the intended target species. Effective lethal pest control alternatives with lower non-target impact are available.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for snare bans or strict reform in your jurisdiction
Report suspected illegal snaring to local wildlife authorities
Advocate for non-target species monitoring requirements in snare licensing
Donate to organizations campaigning for wildlife trapping reform
Engage with land management professionals about welfare-friendly alternatives to snaring