Snares

All animals feel pain and suffer. I support the introduction of a ban on snares.

I know such a ban has strong backing from the public and I pay tribute to all the charities, campaigners and organisations working to deliver the change on this we want to see.

Snares are imperfect and current legislation is failing to protect animals, including threatened species, from harm. Many non-target animals are also entrapped by snares, including badgers and domestic pets, which can end up being injured and sometimes even killed by them. There are many reports of animals dying in severe distress from severe injuries, hypothermia or dehydration, killed by other animals while trapped, or by numerous other, cruel consequences of snares. Where parent animals are trapped, it can leave offspring to die of starvation.

I am aware we are one of only five countries in Europe that do not prohibit the use of snares. We need the Government to bring forward legislation to ban them.

As you may know, the Welsh Government recently introduced a total ban on snares and glue traps, which is very welcome. The UK Government has previously stated it is looking into whether changes are needed regarding snares. It then stated that once it has finished meeting with key external stakeholders it will provide an update on the timeframe for its Call for Evidence, which was announced in March 2022. In January 2023, it also said the Government guidelines on the appropriate use of snares are unclear and that they would be improved in short order.

Ministers have, however, also indicated they believe current legislation provides strong protection for the welfare of trapped animals and that anyone using snares must act within the law to ensure they do not harm protected species.

In November 2021, the Opposition attempted to ban the use of snares in England where there was a possibility of trapping kept animals by amending the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. However, the Government voted this down.

I can assure you that I will continue to call for stronger protections for animals, including a ban on snares.