Campaigners Urge Government to Ban Cruel Snare Traps

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 9, 2026

Animal welfare groups have intensified demands for the UK government to ban snare traps in England, citing the devices' cruel impact on wildlife and urging fulfillment of existing commitments to outlaw them. This push follows public outrage sparked by a video of a fox caught on the Sandringham estate, with political backing increasing and government efforts underway to implement a ban.

Animal welfare campaigners have renewed calls for the UK government to ban the use of snare traps in England, pressing authorities to fulfill a commitment to prohibit these devices, which critics say cause severe suffering to wildlife. These traps, consisting of wire nooses that tighten around an animal’s neck, upper body, or legs, are used primarily by gamekeepers to catch predators such as foxes. The traps are commonly deployed on moorland areas managed for grouse shooting, a practice intended to maintain artificially high populations of grouse for hunting.

Government data indicates that around 200,000 snares are set across the English countryside at any given time, though advocacy groups warn that the actual number may be significantly greater. Opponents emphasize that snares inflict prolonged pain and can lead to slow deaths if the captured animals are not promptly dispatched by gamekeepers.

Emma Slawinski, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, described snares as “cruel and indiscriminate,” arguing that they have no place in modern wildlife management. She welcomed the government’s stated intent to ban the traps and urged swift legislative action, noting that public opinion strongly supports such a move. According to polling conducted independently for the League, 71% of people in England favor making snares illegal.

The issue gained heightened attention in 2024 after a distressing video surfaced showing a fox caught in a snare on the estate of King Charles at Sandringham in Norfolk. The footage sparked public outrage and intensified debate over the ethics of snares and broader wildlife management on shooting estates.

The Labour Party included a ban on snares in its most recent general election manifesto, aligning with campaigners’ calls. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously signaled a commitment to addressing wildlife crime and cruelty associated with shooting practices.

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) reiterated the government’s animal welfare record and stated that the Animal Welfare Strategy includes a pledge to outlaw cruel snare traps. The spokesperson added that efforts are underway to implement a ban in England as soon as possible.

Supporters of current trapping practices argue that snares play a role in controlling predators that threaten game bird populations, helping to sustain a traditional rural economy linked to grouse shooting. However, critics maintain that the indiscriminate nature and cruelty of snares override any hunting-related benefits, calling instead for alternative, more humane wildlife management strategies.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.