Stoats are declining in some UK regions while remaining common in others, facing welfare threats from trapping for gamebird management and climate-driven prey cycles.
Stoats killed in spring traps may experience prolonged injury if traps are not correctly set or checked. Non-instantaneous killing in poorly maintained traps represents an avoidable welfare failure. Secondary poisoning from rodenticide-killed prey causes internal haemorrhage over days in affected individuals. The welfare of stoats in managed game estates depends heavily on trap maintenance standards and reduced rodenticide use.