Wildlife

Snares and Their Welfare Impacts

Snares for predator control trap and injure thousands of non-target animals annually, with significant welfare impacts from slow strangulation.

Key Facts

An estimated 1.7 million snares are set in the UK annually
Self-locking snares are banned but difficult to distinguish from free-running types in the field
Up to 40% of snare catches are non-target species including badgers and deer
Wales has banned snares; Scotland is reviewing their legality

Welfare Considerations

Animals caught in snares can remain trapped for days before the trapper returns. Self-locking snares tighten with struggling, causing progressive strangulation and cutaneous injuries. Non-target animals including dogs and cats are caught regularly. Escape from snares often leaves animals with injuries that cause delayed death.

What You Can Do

Support legislation to ban all snare use as a wildlife management tool
Report any snares found near footpaths or residential areas to local authorities
Advocate for alternatives including pen trapping and targeted shooting for predator control
Support campaigns by League Against Cruel Sports and similar organizations