Snare Welfare Science and Reform

Snares are widely used for rabbit and fox control but cause significant welfare harm. Evidence-based reform is advancing in the UK.

Key Facts

An estimated 1.7-3 million snares are set annually in England, Scotland and Wales
Snares can catch non-target species including badgers, deer, hares and domestic cats
Legal snares in the UK must be free-running and checked every 24 hours under the Animal Welfare Act
Self-locking snares that tighten under tension are illegal but use continues
Non-target capture rates can be significant, causing injury and death to protected species
Scotland passed a licensing scheme for snares in 2023 requiring training and inspection
Wildlife organisations have called for a complete ban on snares citing welfare evidence

Welfare Considerations

Snare welfare evidence demonstrates significant suffering through entanglement, injury, and death of both target and non-target species. The 24-hour check requirement means animals can suffer for up to a day before discovery. Non-target captures including protected species represent unacceptable welfare harms. The welfare case for comprehensive snare reform including licensing and ultimately phasing out is strong. Supporting legislative campaigns and choosing land products from snare-free operations are effective actions.

What You Can Do

Support wildlife organisations campaigning for snare ban or comprehensive reform in England and Wales
Choose game and land products from operations with explicit snare-free commitments
Advocate for mandatory licensing and inspection of snare use in all UK jurisdictions
Report suspected illegal snare use or non-target captures to Police Scotland or local wildlife crime officers