England is set to ban tortuous snare traps that capture animals by the neck with wire nooses as part of a significant Animal Welfare Strategy. These traps subject animals to prolonged suffering without access to essentials like water, food, and shelter. Advocates have been urging for the ban to align England with Wales and Scotland.
Official data reveals over 200,000 wire traps are concealed in the English countryside, although the actual number is likely higher. These cruel devices ensnare animals around their necks, torsos, or legs, inflicting immense pain and suffering before the animals are either shot or endure a slow death.
Notably, snares often trap unintended victims such as pet dogs, hares, and badgers. Incidents like a fox caught in a snare on the Sandringham estate have sparked outrage. Pet dogs have also fallen victim to snares on the Royal Family’s Sandringham Estate.
A recent YouGov survey found that 71% of adults in England support the illegality of snares. The government’s forthcoming Animal Welfare Strategy will be released soon.
Emma Slawinski, the chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, emphasized the dangers posed by snares to wildlife and domestic animals. She praised the government for taking decisive action to ban these inhumane traps.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman affirmed the government’s commitment to ending animal cruelty, starting with the ban on snare traps. She also mentioned plans to review other wildlife traps with welfare concerns for potential further actions.