The upcoming Animal Welfare Strategy in England is set to prohibit the use of cruel wire snare traps that ensnare animals by the neck. These traps, which are currently legal in England but banned in Wales and Scotland, subject animals to prolonged suffering without access to essentials like water, food, or shelter.
Official data indicates that over 200,000 wire traps are dispersed in the English countryside, though the actual number is likely higher. These traps, which tighten around the neck, torso, or limbs of animals, inflict severe pain before the trapped animal is either shot or faces a slow and agonizing death.
Not only do snares capture unintended species like pet dogs, but they have also caused distressing incidents, such as a fox caught in a snare on the estate of King Charles at Sandringham. Reports have surfaced of domestic animals becoming ensnared on the Royal Family’s Sandringham Estate and in deserted areas.
A recent survey revealed that 71% of adults in England believe snares should be illegal. The government is poised to release its comprehensive Animal Welfare Strategy on Monday, signaling a proactive step toward protecting animal rights.
Emma Slawinski, the League Against Cruel Sports’ chief executive, emphasized the hazards posed by snares in rural areas. She commended the government’s commitment to outlawing these cruel traps, emphasizing the need to evolve towards more compassionate animal welfare standards.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman echoed these sentiments, affirming the government’s dedication to eradicating animal cruelty. The government’s pledge to ban snare traps aligns with their broader mission to address wildlife traps with potential welfare issues and explore additional measures to safeguard animal well-being.
