After more than four decades of campaigning, efforts to ban fox snares in England remain ongoing, with animal welfare advocates welcoming recent government proposals but calling for quicker action. Trevor Williams, founder of the Fox Project in Kent, has been campaigning against the use of snares since 1981, describing them as a source of “unnecessary cruelty” toward wildlife.
The UK Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, published in December 2025, includes a proposal to outlaw fox snares in England. While snares have already been banned in Wales and Scotland, there is no specified timeline for when the English ban might be implemented. Notably, the ban was absent from the King’s Speech delivered last month, prompting concern among campaigners about delays.
Fox snares consist of a thin wire or cable loop designed to capture foxes by the neck or body. Although the devices do not cause immediate injury, critics argue that they inflict prolonged suffering. Williams told the BBC’s Politics South East program that alternatives exist, advocating for the use of non-toxic chemical repellents and other measures that exploit the animals’ natural behavior to deter them from specific areas.
Animal welfare organizations such as the League Against Cruel Sports have described snares as “indiscriminate,” highlighting their potential to capture unintended animals and cause distress. Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, voiced a contrasting view, emphasizing the challenges faced by farmers in managing fox populations. Bonner maintained that snares are often an “effective tool” and argued that those working in rural areas require a range of options to control wildlife.
The ongoing debate underscores the tension between wildlife protection advocates seeking to end practices they deem inhumane and rural stakeholders who emphasize practical methods for pest control. As discussions continue, campaigners are urging the government to set a firm date for the ban and implement alternative strategies for fox management.