Petition to ban indiscriminate snares closes in on milestone

An online petition calling for the government to ban the sale, use, and manufacture of free-running snares, which can trap dogs, is approaching 70,000 signatures.

The petition calls for free-running snares, a wire loop device that tightens as the trapped animal struggles, to be put in the same category as self-locking snares, which are already illegal.

Once the petition, which was created by charity Animal Aid, passes the 100,00 milestone it will be debated in Parliament. It has until next May to reach 100,000 signatures to trigger a debate.

Petition creator Jessamy Korotoga, Campaigns Manager at Animal Aid, said: “We believe that people setting free-running snares cannot ensure animal welfare, as required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, that such snares cause unnecessary suffering to mammals, are indiscriminate and should be banned.”

Last month, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) responded to the petition. It said: “We know that some people consider snares to be an inhumane and unnecessary means of trapping wild animals. When used improperly, snares can cause immense suffering and we are looking at whether changes are needed to address these concerns. Therefore, we have committed to launching a call for evidence on the use of snares.”

Defra added: “The call for evidence, which will be launched in due course, will be publicly available online, allowing all interested parties to express their views on the use of snares. In this way, the Government will ensure it has the very latest understanding on this issue, and our position will be informed by the responses received.”

The petition is being backed by TV present and naturalist Chris Packham, as well as the RSPCA, Battersea, and Cats Protection.