Ban Snares and Glue Traps in Northern Ireland

Snares and glue traps cause immense suffering not only to their intended targets but also to non-target animals such as otters, dogs, cats, and even protected species. It’s time for Northern Ireland to take action and ban these inhumane practices.

• Snares - or cable restraints - are indiscriminate tools that cause significant suffering. Non-target animals often fall victim, becoming entangled and injured, sometimes fatally.
• Glue traps inflict prolonged agony on trapped animals, including their intended rodent targets. Pets and other animals caught in glue traps frequently sustain severe injuries, leading to unnecessary deaths.

There are humane, effective, and targeted alternatives available for both predator and rodent control. Continuing the use of these barbaric methods is unjustifiable.
 

Expert findings

A 2022 review led by Professor Stephen Harris found:

“The use of snares in the UK does not meet acceptable standards of animal welfare... The only way to stop extremely high levels of non-target capture, illegal use, and misuse of snares is to prohibit the manufacture, sale, possession, and use of snares in the UK.”
 

Northern Ireland must act

While most European countries have already banned snares and glue traps, they remain legal in just six: Belgium, France, Ireland, Spain, Latvia, and the UK. In 2023, Wales banned snares and glue traps, and Scotland followed in 2024 as part of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill.

Northern Ireland must not be left behind.