Guernsey Bans Snaring as England Prepares to Follow Suit

The States of Guernsey have taken a significant step in protecting wildlife by voting to ban the use of snares across the island. This decision brings Guernsey in line with Scotland and Wales, where snaring is already outlawed, marking a crucial victory for animal welfare advocates.

Snares, often condemned for their indiscriminate and inhumane nature, are wire traps that cause severe suffering to both target and non-target animals, including domestic pets and protected species. Guernsey’s ban reflects a growing recognition of the need to eliminate such cruel practices.

Simon Wild, Campaigns Director of the National Anti Snaring Campaign, praised Guernsey’s decision as a “major step forward in the fight against outdated and brutal methods of wildlife control.” He noted, “With Scotland and Wales already leading the way, Guernsey’s ban is a significant addition to the growing consensus that snaring has no place in modern wildlife management. We commend the States of Guernsey for their decisive action.”

Meanwhile, there is encouraging news from England, where the Labour government has committed to banning snares as part of its manifesto. Following a meeting last year between Simon Wild, Professor Stephen Harris, and Nick Bagshaw, Head of Wildlife Management and Wildlife Crime Policy at DEFRA, the government has provided a positive update on the progress towards a snare ban in England.

“You will have seen the King’s Speech earlier this week,” a DEFRA spokesperson stated. “You are likely to have spotted the absence of any snares policy in the speech. DEFRA colleagues have asked me to follow up and confirm the Government will introduce the most ambitious programme for animal welfare in a generation. As outlined in their manifesto, we will ban trail hunting and the import of hunting trophies. And we go further to end puppy smuggling and farming, and the use of snare traps. We are considering the most effective ways to deliver these commitments and will be setting out next steps in due course.”

Mr Wild expressed his optimism about this development, saying, “This update from DEFRA is extremely encouraging. The government’s commitment to banning snares as part of a broader programme of animal welfare reforms is a clear indication that we are on the verge of a historic change. We look forward to seeing these promises turned into action, ensuring that England finally joins the rest of the UK in ending the use of these cruel traps.”

As Guernsey enacts its ban, attention now turns to England, where campaigners are hopeful that a legislative ban on snaring will soon become a reality, fulfilling the government’s pledge and bringing an end to this outdated and inhumane practice.