Wild Mammal Trapping: Welfare Standards and Reform

Trapping of wild mammals for pest control, research, and fur causes significant welfare impacts. Welfare standards for traps vary enormously and reform remains an ongoing advocacy priority.

Key Facts

Spring traps, leg-hold traps, and live catch traps are the main trap types used in wildlife management
Leg-hold traps cause severe injury, prolonged suffering, and non-target species capture
They are banned in many countries but continue to be used globally in fur trapping
The Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards sets welfare benchmarks
UK spring traps require approval as humane but non-target species capture remains a concern

Welfare Considerations

Trapping causes welfare suffering through physical injury from the trap mechanism, prolonged restraint, exposure, dehydration, and the stress of capture. Leg-hold traps cause bone fractures, soft tissue damage, and animals may self-amputate to escape. Non-target species including protected animals, pets, and non-pest species suffer when caught in traps intended for other animals. Even approved trap types cause distress during the period before checking. The welfare standard for traps should include rapid insensibilization, minimal non-target capture, and frequent checking to reduce restraint duration. Reform toward these standards reduces wildlife welfare impacts from trapping.

What You Can Do

Oppose the use of leg-hold traps which cause severe welfare suffering
Support campaigns for higher standards in trapping regulations
Report suspected illegal trapping to wildlife enforcement authorities
Advocate for non-lethal wildlife management as the first-line approach
Support research into more humane and selective pest control methods
Check for traps in areas where you walk dogs to reduce non-target capture risk