The use of snares or glue traps has become illegal today in Wales sparing animals from suffering as a result, but there are concerns it may result in an escalation in the rodent population.
First of its kind in the UK, the measure was included in Wales’ first Agriculture Act and the ban on snares is a Programme for Government commitment.
Snares, sometimes referred to as cable restraints, are said to cause a great deal of suffering to animals and can harm species not intended for them, such as otters, dogs and cats.
Similarly, glue traps can also cause suffering to trapped animals, including the rodents they were intended for and other animals such as cats. If a domestic pet is caught in a glue trap, it can result in the animal having to be put down from its injuries.
Other methods of predator control are said to be widely available, and similarly, while rodent control is essential where prevention has failed, there are more humane and targeted methods.
Although now in force, it remains uncertain as to whether the ban may lead to an esculation of the rodent population in Wales.
Earlier this year, the British Pest Control Association (BPCO) wrote a strongly worded letter to the Labour run Welsh Government voicing its concerns over a Welsh glue board ban. (full letter at end of report)
Sent to Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths, BPCO Chief Executive Ian Andrew warned the ban will have an adverse effect on animal welfare and will lead to rodent populations increasing while their food sources remained static.
Within the letter Mr Andrew’s said: “I hope whenever you read of someone in Wales in hospital because they’ve contracted Weil’s disease, salmonella, listeria, or any of the other nasty pathogens rodents carry, you’ll remember the warnings we issued”.
Separate to this, other warnings have been made by individual pest control companies including one from Gareth Davies who has been in the industry for over 34 years claiming the new ban will allow ‘cat-sized rats’ to run freely in the streets.
Speaking with the major news provider the BBC, Mr Davies said: “We’re trying to do our jobs with at least one arm behind [our] back at the moment because we’ve got nothing else to help us.” (full BBC News report at end of report)
In a press release received by the Glamorgan Star from Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths, she said: “This is a historic day for animal welfare. We strive for the very highest standards of animal welfare in Wales, and the use of snares and glue traps are incompatible with what we want to achieve.
“Many animals will now be spared the most terrible suffering as a result of this ban. I’m proud Wales is the first of the UK nations to introduce such a move.
“The banning of snares and glue traps is not about preventing predator or rodent control. There are other more humane ways to do this.
“I’d like to thank all our partners who’ve worked hard to bring this ban about, and I look forward to continuing to ensure we have the very highest standards of animal welfare in Wales.”
Billie-Jade Thomas, senior public affairs manager at RSPCA Cymru said: “We very much welcome the ban on snares and glue traps coming into force today.
“Both have the potential to cause immeasurable suffering to animals. Too often, our officers have dealt with animals in severe pain and misery at the hands of these devices; which are cruel, indiscriminate and totally unnecessary.
“The lives of many animals will be saved including wildlife, pets and farm animals such as sheep and lambs.”
Rob Taylor, Wales Rural and Wildlife Crime Co-ordinator said: “I welcome the introduction of the ban here in Wales today. These traps are indiscriminate and over the years I have personally seen various none target species, such as badgers and cats caught in snares and suffering terrible injury. After today anyone caught using a snare or glue trap in Wales could face a fine or imprisonment, so we advise people to be aware of this new law and act accordingly.”
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