The upcoming Animal Welfare Strategy in England is set to outlaw the use of tortuous snare traps that ensnare animals with wire nooses around their necks. These traps subject animals to prolonged suffering without access to essential necessities like water, food, and shelter. Campaigners have long urged England to follow Wales and Scotland in banning these traps, as more than 200,000 wire snares are known to be present in the English countryside, with the actual number likely much higher.
The barbaric nature of these traps is evident as they tighten around the neck, torso, or legs of animals, causing immense pain and suffering before the animal is either shot or endures a slow death. The indiscriminate nature of snares is highlighted by incidents where pet dogs and unintended species like hares and badgers have been captured.
Recent outrage was sparked by a distressing video showing a fox caught in a snare trap on the estate of King Charles at Sandringham. Similar unfortunate events have occurred on the Royal Family’s Sandringham Estate, with pet owners discovering their lost animals trapped and injured in abandoned areas.
A survey revealed that 71% of adults in England support the illegality of snares, further emphasizing the public’s stance against these cruel devices. The government is set to release the full Animal Welfare Strategy on Monday.
Emma Slawinski, CEO of the League Against Cruel Sports, commended the government’s actions, stating that snares pose risks not only to targeted animals but also to unintended victims. She emphasized the need to eliminate such cruel practices for the betterment of animal welfare.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending animal cruelty and highlighted ongoing efforts to review and address other wildlife traps causing welfare concerns.