Snare Trapping and Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Snare traps cause severe suffering in target and non-target animals and are among the most welfare-harmful wildlife control methods still in widespread use.

Key Facts

Snares are wire or cable loops that catch animals by the neck or leg as they pass through
Scotland and England still permit some forms of snaring despite ongoing welfare controversies
Wales has banned the use of snares from 2024
Snares are indiscriminate, catching non-target species including badgers, deer, and domestic animals
An estimated 1.7 million animals are caught in snares annually in England and Wales

Welfare Considerations

Snare trapping causes acute and prolonged suffering from the moment of capture, as animals struggle against the tightening loop causing lacerations, dislocations, and strangulation. Non-target animals caught in snares may suffer for hours or days before being found dead or dying. The lack of selectivity means that protected species, companion animals, and ecologically important species are regularly caught. Alternative pest control methods exist for virtually every situation where snares are currently used.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns to ban snares in your jurisdiction
Report suspected illegal or unmonitored snare use to wildlife authorities
Never set snares and advocate against their use
Support farmers and gamekeepers in transitioning to more selective pest control methods
Donate to organizations monitoring and advocating for snare bans