Snares are wire loops used to catch mammals. They cause prolonged suffering to both target and non-target species and are widely considered welfare-incompatible by veterinary bodies.
Snare capture causes acute welfare harms: the animal struggles against the wire, causing skin lacerations, broken limbs, and joint damage. Animals that struggle violently can cause fatal internal injuries. The period between capture and death or discovery — legally up to 24 hours between checks, often longer in practice — involves prolonged pain, fear, and exposure. Non-target species caught in snares often have worse outcomes than target species because their anatomy makes injuries more severe. Badgers caught in snares are particularly vulnerable — their powerful muscles mean they often sustain catastrophic injuries attempting to escape. No humane outcome from snare capture is guaranteed.