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Wildlife crime
Illegal snaring of wildlife
Snares are wire nooses set to catch animals such as foxes and rabbits. Self-locking snares are illegal, and even legal snares are frequently misused in ways that cause prolonged suffering to wildlife and pets.
About illegal snaring
A snare is a wire loop anchored to the ground or a stake. As an animal moves through it, the loop tightens. Self-locking snares — which keep tightening and do not relax — are illegal.
Snares are routinely misused: set on active runs used by badgers or pets, left unchecked for long periods, or staked so an animal cannot free itself. Domestic cats, dogs and protected species such as badgers are often caught and killed or maimed.
Signs to look for
- Wire nooses pegged into the ground along hedgerows, fences or animal trails
- A self-locking snare (one that ratchets tighter and will not loosen)
- Snares set near a badger sett, footpath or garden where pets roam
- An animal caught, injured or dead in a snare, or signs it has struggled for a long time
The law
Self-locking snares are illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is also an offence to set any snare where it is likely to catch a protected species such as a badger.
Snares must be checked at least once a day. Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal caught in a snare can be an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
How to report illegal snaring
If you've witnessed illegal snaring, please report it to us. Give as much detail as you can safely gather — what you saw, exactly where and when, descriptions of any people, animals or vehicles involved, and any photos or video. Do not put yourself at risk or confront anyone.
If an animal is in immediate danger, or a crime is in progress, call 999.