Wildlife Snares and Animal Welfare

Snares cause immense suffering to targeted and non-target animals and are used widely in legal and illegal trapping globally.

Key Facts

Millions of snares are set globally each year for pest control and bushmeat hunting
Non-target bycatch can account for 30-70% of all animals caught in snares
Wire leg-hold snares can cause fractures, lacerations, and prolonged suffering over hours or days
In the UK over 3 million snares are estimated to be set annually despite welfare concerns
Spring snares kill through strangulation which may take many minutes
Scotland banned self-locking snares; EU-wide restrictions are under consideration
Many conservation organisations call for a complete ban on all free-running snares

Welfare Considerations

Animals caught in snares experience acute fear, pain, and exhaustion while attempting to escape. Non-target species including deer, badgers, hares, and domestic pets are frequently caught. Even free-running snares cause significant injury during struggle. Animals may remain trapped for the legally allowed check period of 24 hours, or longer if checks are missed, enduring prolonged distress, exposure, and dehydration. Lethal snares cause slow strangulation deaths. The indiscriminate nature of snaring means welfare harms extend far beyond the intended target species.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns calling for a complete ban on snare use in your country
Report illegally set snares to wildlife enforcement authorities
Advocate for mandatory daily checks and welfare standards where snares remain legal
Support wildlife charities that rescue snare-caught animals
Encourage your local council to adopt snare-free policies on public land