Wildlife

Snare Welfare Reform in the UK

Snares are legal trapping devices in the UK that cause significant suffering to target and non-target animals, with reform campaigns gaining momentum.

Key Facts

An estimated 1.7 million animals are caught in snares each year in England
Free-running snares that tighten under body weight are particularly dangerous
Non-target species including deer, badgers, and domestic pets are regularly caught
Scotland banned snares in 2025 following welfare evidence and public pressure
England and Wales continue to permit snares under a code of practice that many consider inadequate

Welfare Considerations

Snares cause suffering through entanglement, injury, and prolonged capture stress. The evidence for significant non-target catch and inadequate welfare protection makes comprehensive snare reform a high-priority welfare issue.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns calling for a snare ban in England and Wales
Contact your MP about snare reform and the evidence from Scottish experience
Report suspected illegal or improperly maintained snares to the police or RSPCA
Engage with the debate about land management alternatives to snaring
Support organisations documenting snare impacts on wildlife welfare