The Animal Welfare Strategy is set to prohibit the use of cruel snare traps that ensnare animals with wire nooses around their necks. These traps, which are known to be present in the English countryside, subject animals to prolonged suffering without access to essentials like water, food, or shelter. Advocates have been advocating for England to follow the lead of Wales and Scotland in banning these inhumane traps.
Wire snares, estimated to number over 200,000 in England, can inflict extreme pain and distress on animals by tightening around their necks, torsos, or legs. The traps are not selective and often capture unintended victims such as pet dogs and wildlife like hares and badgers. Disturbing incidents, including a fox caught in a snare on the Sandringham estate, have sparked public outrage and calls for action against these barbaric practices.
A recent survey revealed that 71% of adults in England support the outlawing of snares, emphasizing the widespread public condemnation of these trapping methods. The impending Animal Welfare Strategy, to be unveiled soon, aims to address these concerns and protect animals from unnecessary suffering.
Emma Slawinski, CEO of the League Against Cruel Sports, praised the government’s initiative to ban snares, highlighting the traps’ indiscriminate cruelty and the threats they pose to both targeted and unintended animals. Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman reiterated the government’s commitment to ending animal cruelty and hinted at further actions to address welfare issues related to wildlife traps.
The move to ban snare traps reflects a progressive stance on animal welfare and aligns with the nation’s dedication to safeguarding the well-being of animals.