Stoats and weasels are commonly targeted in game management trapping programs. The welfare implications of trapping methods and non-target captures raise important questions for countryside management.
Game management trapping raises welfare questions at two levels: the welfare of target animals during capture and killing, and the welfare of non-target animals incidentally caught. Even spring traps that kill quickly when functioning correctly can malfunction or be set incorrectly, resulting in prolonged suffering. Non-target captures add an additional welfare cost that is often underacknowledged. The ecological role of stoats and weasels as rodent predators means their management has effects beyond the game management context. Welfare standards that require regular inspection, appropriate trap placement, and recording of non-target captures would improve accountability and outcomes.