Wales’ total ban on the use of snares and glue traps comes into force from today (Tuesday, October 17).
Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths, announced the ban on September 26 and said that it will prevent “indiscriminate suffering” to animals.
From today, the use of snares and glue traps is illegal in Wales, and anyone found guilty of using a snare could face imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.
Speaking on the ban coming into force today, Griffiths said: “This is an historic day for animal welfare. We strive for the very highest standards of animal welfare in Wales, and the use of snares and glue traps are incompatible with what we want to achieve.
“Many animals will now be spared the most terrible suffering as a result of this ban. I’m proud Wales is the first of the UK nations to introduce such a move.
“The banning of snares and glue traps is not about preventing predator or rodent control. There are other more humane ways to do this,” she said.
Animal welfare
Griffiths thanked all the Welsh government’s partners for working to bring about the ban on snares and glue traps, and said she is looking forward to continuing to ensure that Wales has the “very highest standards of animal welfare”.
Wales rural and wildlife crime coordinator, Rob Taylor, said: “I welcome the introduction of the ban here in Wales today.
“These traps are indiscriminate and over the years I personally, have seen various non-target species, such as badgers and cats caught in snares and suffering terrible injury.
“After today anyone caught using a snare or glue trap in Wales could face a fine or imprisonment, so we advise people to be aware of this new law and act accordingly,” Taylor warned.
Senior public affairs manager at RSPCA Cymru, Billie-Jade Thomas, said: “We very much welcome the ban on snares and glue traps coming into force today.
“Both have the potential to cause immeasurable suffering to animals. 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.
“The lives of many animals will be saved including wildlife, pets and farm animals such as sheep and lambs.”
