Livestock Snares and Trapping Welfare

Snares and traps used in predator control on farms and estates cause significant welfare harm to target and non-target species. Reform efforts are ongoing in UK policy.

Key Facts

Approximately 1.7 million animals are caught in snares annually in England and Wales, including foxes, rabbits, and significant numbers of non-target species
Snares cause injury, panic, and prolonged suffering while animals await the snare setter's return
Legal requirements for daily snare checks are poorly enforced, meaning animals may be trapped for over 24 hours
Scottish Wildlife Crime Police Officers recorded significant snare-related wildlife offences in their monitoring programmes
Free-running snares that can release are less harmful than self-locking snares which are illegal in the UK
Non-lethal deterrents including guardian animals, electric fencing, and habitat management offer alternatives to snaring

Welfare Considerations

Snare use represents some of the most widespread and poorly regulated welfare harm inflicted on wild animals in the UK. The combination of prolonged confinement, injury from struggling, and the indiscriminate capture of non-target species including deer, badgers, and birds of conservation concern makes snaring a particularly serious welfare concern. Reform efforts including enhanced regulation, improved enforcement, and development of alternatives are making progress but face opposition from shooting and farming interests. A complete ban on snares in Scotland is being actively considered.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for a complete snare ban in England and Wales following growing support for Scottish restrictions
Report suspected snare offences to wildlife crime officers or the RSPB
Learn to identify snare traps and the signs of animals caught in them
Advocate for non-lethal predator management methods on all estates and farms
Support organisations including the League Against Cruel Sports campaigning for snare reform