Wildlife Snaring: The Case for Reform or Abolition

Snaring of foxes and other mammals is a widespread pest control method in the UK and globally. The welfare implications for target and non-target species are severe and have driven calls for prohibition.

Key Facts

An estimated 1.7 million snares are set in England and Wales annually by gamekeepers and farmers
Snares cause injury through constriction, entanglement, and stress from prolonged immobilisation
Non-target species — badgers, hares, deer, and domestic animals — are regularly caught in snares set for foxes
Fox snaring is banned in several European countries including Scotland (2025), Germany, and many others
Self-locking snares — which tighten as the animal struggles — are illegal in the UK but their use is hard to enforce

Welfare Considerations

Snaring causes welfare harm that is disproportionate to its pest control effectiveness. Snared animals may remain caught for hours or days before being found; injuries from entanglement and attempted escape cause significant suffering. Free-running snares are marginally less harmful than self-locking variants, but all snares cause distress from restraint regardless of physical injury. The legal framework governing snares is poorly enforced, and welfare standards for their use are routinely breached. The trend toward prohibition across Europe reflects the conclusion that no management benefit justifies the welfare cost.

What You Can Do

Support the League Against Cruel Sports and Born Free Foundation campaigns for snare bans
Advocate for snaring prohibition in your country or jurisdiction through political engagement
Report suspected illegal or unattended snares to the RSPCA or police wildlife crime unit
Support gamekeeping reform programmes that develop effective alternatives to lethal predator control