My View: Banning Snares in the UK

I have long supported ending the use of snare traps in England, and I therefore wholeheartedly support our Government’s pledge to achieve this, as I think it is vital that all animals are properly protected as part of our strategy.

Snares are imperfect and indiscriminate traps that regularly cause unnecessary suffering and harm to animals. Not only do they hurt the animals they are set to catch, but there are reports of other animals and pets being caught in, injured by, or sometimes killed by snares.

As you will know, animals, when panicked, may not stop pulling when caught and can die of asphyxiation. They can also be snared by parts of the body that cause horrific injuries and a slow death. When animals with offspring are caught, it means their babies are left to die of starvation. Ensnared animals can also be attacked by other animals, or die of hypothermia, dehydration or starvation. All of these are appalling ways for animals to die, and I know will cause anyone reading as much distress as it causes me – I've spoken before about my love of animals, so anything that we as a Government can do to improve their wellbeing will always be supported by me. 

I believe ending the use of snares will improve animal welfare, reduce accidental harm, and help promote safer, more humane ways of managing wildlife in rural areas. Our Government’s recent Animal Welfare Strategy reaffirmed its commitment to bring an end to the use of snare traps, and Ministers are now considering the most effective way to deliver this, which I was very pleased to hear. I know they will be setting out next steps in due course, and that the detail of the enforcement of the ban will depend on the nature of the legislation that is brought forward.