Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has confirmed the Welsh Government will introduce the primary whole ban on the usage of snares and glue traps within the UK this Autumn.
From 17 October the usage of snares and glue traps will likely be unlawful in Wales. This follows the passing of the Agriculture (Wales) Act into regulation this summer season which included the supply.
The ban on the usage of snares is a Programme for Government dedication and was supported by a majority of those that took half within the public session.
A snare is a wire noose, normally hooked up to a stake, tree or one other heavy object appearing as an anchor. They are normally set to catch foxes or rabbits, however can not distinguish between completely different species of animals – so are indiscriminate in what they catch and may hurt species they aren’t supposed for corresponding to otters, dogs and cats.
Since 2020, the RSPCA experiences it has been known as to attend 12 cases involving snares in Wales which had caught protected species corresponding to badgers and in some circumstances, pets.
While self-locking snares are already unlawful in Wales, others will not be – however this new laws bans the usage of all snares, or every other cable restraint, for the aim of killing or trapping a wild animal, or in every other method that’s more likely to injure a wild animal.
Glue traps
Glue traps – often known as ‘glue boards’ or ‘sticky boards’ – include a sheet of plastic, cardboard or wooden coated with non-drying adhesive designed to entice rodents corresponding to mice and rats as they cross the board.
Last yr, the UK Government launched a ban on glue traps in England with the regulation coming into drive in April 2024 – nevertheless there are some exemptions to the ban underneath licence, with pest controllers nonetheless ready to make use of them.
Glue traps trigger struggling to the trapped animal, and pets corresponding to cats have needed to be put down because of this the accidents sustained from the traps.
The UK Government has legislated for less than a partial ban in England, however a whole ban will likely be launched in Wales, one other first within the UK.
The Welsh Government says that whereas rodent management is important, the place prevention has failed, extra humane and focused strategies are available.
The Minister mentioned: “The use of snares and glue traps will not be suitable with the excessive animal welfare requirements we attempt for right here in Wales. These strategies may cause an excessive amount of struggling and hurt to all animals.
“The banning of snares is a Programme for Government dedication and now we have been working in the direction of today for a very long time with companions and stakeholders. Many animals, together with these which weren’t the supposed goal of the snare, will likely be spared struggling on account of this ban.
“Banning snares is about stopping inhumane strategies getting used and doesn’t stop predator management utilizing different strategies.
“There are additionally many extra humane methods to regulate rodents than by the usage of glue traps.
“I’m pleased Wales is leading the way on this issue, and we will continue to strive for high animal welfare standards.”
Immeasurable struggling
Welcoming the ban, David Bowles, RSPCA head of public affairs, mentioned: “Snares and glue traps haven’t any place in a contemporary and compassionate Wales. Both have the potential to trigger immeasurable struggling to animals.
“On snares, this would be the first ban of its sort within the UK and will likely be an enormous step ahead in Wales and we’re additionally happy there are not any exceptions to the glue entice ban.
“Too often, our officers have dealt with animals in severe pain and misery at the hands of these devices; which are cruel, indiscriminate and totally unnecessary.”
However, the laws won’t cowl the continued sale of the traps throughout Wales.
“Although their use will be banned outright, there is still no law against buying these devices,” he mentioned.
“Because of this, the enforcement of the bans on the use of snares and glue traps will be key to ensuring that animals are protected from these traps, as intended by the Welsh Government.”
From 17 October the usage of snares and glue traps will likely be unlawful in Wales. Anyone discovered responsible of utilizing a snare might face imprisonment or a limiteless positive or each.
Support our Nation at this time
For the worth of a cup of espresso a month you may assist us create an
impartial, not-for-profit, nationwide information service for the folks of Wales, by
the folks of Wales.
