Snares

Thank you for contacting me about the use of snares. 

I appreciate the depth of concern about this issue. I am aware that laws are in place around the use of snares to protect wildlife. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states that it is illegal to set in position any trap or snare calculated to cause bodily injury to certain wild animals, including badgers, otters, red squirrels and hedgehogs.

The Deer Act 1991 makes it an offence to set in position any trap or snare calculated to cause bodily injury to any deer coming into contact with it, or to use any trap or snare for the purpose of killing or taking any deer. It is also illegal to set in position any trap or snare calculated to cause bodily injury to certain wild animals, or to use a snare for the purpose of killing, taking or restraining such an animal.

Snares which have been set in position must be inspected once a day. The use of a self-locking snare is illegal and the Animal Welfare Act 2006 prohibits causing any unnecessary suffering to any animal.

While laws are in place, my ministerial colleagues recognise that there have been cases of snares being used indiscriminately and not being checked, and the code of practice not being followed. When used incorrectly, they can cause significant injuries and suffering to animals. Anyone using snares must act within the law to ensure that their activities do not harm protected species. I am assured that penalties are in place when the law is not followed, including an unlimited fine or a custodial sentence. If you believe an individual is inflicting unnecessary suffering on animals, the matter should be reported to the police.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will work with devolved governments in the UK to understand the approaches taken there in relation to the use of snares.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.