The momentous bill follows a 2021 YouGov survey which showed 78 percent of the Welsh population wanted animal snares to be banned…
ADVERTISEMENT
Wales has become the first UK nation to ban the use of animal snares and glue traps.
The Agriculture (Wales) Bill was unanimously voted in by the Senedd last week . It will come into effect two months after receiving royal assent.
The momentous victory follows a 2021 YouGov survey that demonstrated a staggering 78 percent of the Welsh public wanted the cruel devices to be banned.
A ‘fantastic move for animal welfare’
“Today we’re celebrating the move to end the cruelty inflicted on animals by the use of barbaric snares. Something that will have the support of the vast majority of the Welsh people,” said Will Morton of the League Against Cruel Sports.
“It’s a fantastic move for animal welfare… Wales is leading the way in protecting wildlife from cruelty.
“[Now] we’re calling on the UK and Scottish Governments to follow their lead and ban these brutal devices.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Glue traps are mainly used to catch rodents such as mice and rats, who will become instantly stuck to the strong adhesive as soon as they walk over it. Photo © Business via Getty Images
What are snares and glue traps?
Snares are thin wire nooses used to catch animals around the neck like a lasso.
They’re commonly used on game-shooting areas (as well on estates like Sandringham) to catch predatory animals such as foxes – which can often kill pheasants before hunters get the chance.
However, they can also harm other animals in the countryside – including lambs, badgers, and dogs.
Whilst certain types of snares are illegal, animal activists argue the law is ‘poorly enforced’, resulting in thousands of animals caught and killed annually.
Glue traps are mainly used to catch rodents such as mice and rats, who will become instantly stuck to the strong adhesive as soon as they walk over it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Will the rest of Britain catch-up?
England banned public use of glue traps in 2022 under the Glue Traps (Offences) Act. It is set to come into effect next year.
However, activists are now urging Scotland to bring in a similar piece of legislation.
According to PETA, The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission reviewed the use of glue traps in March 2021.
Despite a complete ban being recommend, the charity says no action has yet been taken.
Is the UK serious about animal-welfare? Check out our coverage on the government’s latest U-turn
Featured image © ian35mm via Getty Images
