Pest and predator control is an integral part of conservation and wildlife management. It is necessary to reduce predation and damage to acceptable levels, particularly at vulnerable times of the year such as the nesting season.
It is the responsibility of all those involved in pest and predator control to ensure that their methods are legal, humane and carried out with sensitivity and respect for other countryside users.
There are two main types of trap commonly used for the control of mammalian pests and predators: spring traps (consisting of a trigger plate and some form of smooth jaws) and cage traps (live catchers). Occasionally box traps and multi-catch drop traps are used, which are made of either wood or metal with a trapdoor to capture rabbits, stoats, weasels, rats and mice.
In England and Wales under the Pest Act 1954, section 8, in Scotland under the Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948, section 50, and in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, section 11, it is an offence, in respect of any animal: To use or permit the use of a spring trap not approved by the government agencies under the spring trap approval orders.
Cage traps (live catch traps)
Cage traps come in various sizes, depending on the target species. All are basically a box, often constructed of wire mesh with one or two open ends which close when sprung. These are usually triggered either by a foot plate or hook from which bait may be suspended. They can be used to take any animal which is not protected e.g. fox.
(This table is not a definitive list of the species which may be caught in each trap.)
| TRAP | SPECIES | ENGLAND | SCOTLAND | WALES | NI |
| BMI Magnum 55 | Grey squirrels, rats and mice. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BMI Magnum 110 | Grey squirrels, weasels, rats and mice. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| BMI Magnum 116 | Grey squirrels, weasels, rats and mice. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| DOC150 single-entry (=closed end) | Grey squirrels, rats, stoats and weasels. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| DOC 150 run-through | Rats, stoats and weasels. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| DOC200 single-entry (=closed end) | Grey squirrels, mink, rats, stoats and weasels. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| DOC200 run-through | Rats, stoats and weasels. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| DOC250 single-entry (=closed end) | Grey squirrels, mink, rabbits, stoats, weasels and rats. | Yes | Yes (Except rabbits) | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| DOC250 run-through | Rats, stoats and weasels. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| Duke 116 | Grey squirrels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fenn Rabbit Trap Mk I | Rabbits | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fenn Vermin Trap Mk IV (Heavy Duty) | Grey squirrels, weasels, rats and mice. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| Fenn Vermin Trap Mk VI (Dual Purpose) | Grey squirrels, mink, rabbits, weasels, rats and mice. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| Fuller Trap within the housing provided by manufacturer | Grey squirrels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Goodnature A18 Grey Squirrel Trap | Grey squirrels and rats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Goodnature A18 Mink Trap | Mink | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Goodnature A24 Pro | Rats and mice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Goodnature A24 Rat and Stoat Trap | Stoats, rats, weasels and mice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| Kania Trap 2000 single-entry (=closed end) | Grey squirrels, mink, weasels, edible dormice, rats and mice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except edible dormice & weasels) |
| Kania Trap 2500 | Grey squirrels, mink, rabbits, weasels, edible dormice, rats and mice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except edible dormice & weasels) |
| KORO Large Rodent Double Coil Spring Snap Trap single-entry (=closed end) | Grey squirrels and rats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| KORO Rodent Snap Trap single-entry (=closed end) | Rats and weasels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| Nooski single-entry (=closed end) | Rats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nooski Mouse Trap single-entry (=closed end) | Mice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Perdix Spring Trap | Grey squirrels, rats, stoats and weasels. | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Procull Trap Single-entry (=closed end) | Grey squirrels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skinns Superior Squirrel Trap | Grey squirrels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Solway Spring Trap Mk 4 | Grey squirrels, weasels, edible dormice, rats and mice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except edible dormice & weasels) |
| Solway Spring Trap Mk 6 | Grey squirrels, mink, rabbits, weasels, edible dormice, rats and mice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except edible dormice & weasels) |
| Springer No 4 Multi-purpose (Heavy Duty) | Grey squirrels, weasels, rats, mice and edible dormice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except edible dormice & weasels) |
| Springer No 6 Multi-purpose | Grey squirrels, mink, rabbits, weasels, rats, mice and edible dormice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except edible dormice & weasels) |
| Tully Trap | Stoats, weasels, rats and grey squirrels* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| VS squirrel trap single-entry (=closed end) | Grey squirrels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WCS Tube Trap International Run-through | Grey squirrels, mink, weasels and rats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (except weasels) |
| WiseTrap 110 single-entry (=closed end) ** | Rats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wise Trap 160 single-entry (=closed end)** | Rats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wise Trap 200 single-entry (=closed end)** | Rats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
* Where used for grey squirrels, the trap must be fitted with baffles for grey squirrels supplied by the manufacturer or constructed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Baffles fitted onto a trap must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
** This trap must be set in a sewer, drain pipe or similar structure.
Background
The Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS) between the European Union, Russia, Canada and the USA was developed largely in relation to the trapping of certain fur-bearing animals and the trade in fur.
It included a number of requirements for testing and the use of traps in relation to fur-bearing species. Of these, only otter, beaver, marten, badger and stoat occur in the UK. Prior to 1 April 2020, only stoat could be taken or killed without a special licence.
The AIHTS process began in 1997 but did not come into force until July 2008. Parties to the agreement then had until 2013 to certify traps and until July 2016 for implementation. Originally it looked as if the EU would produce a directive on this, but in 2012 it decided against this and the implementation was left to the individual member states.
With the date for implementation approaching and a number of the current stoat-approved traps unlikely to be tested against the standard in time, BASC lobbied the government. This resulted in a new implementation plan for compliance of stoat traps with AIHTS.
As part of the plan, a Defra-led technical working group was set up to look at the issue of trap testing and assessed whether proposed new traps were likely to meet the requirements of AIHTS. BASC is represented in this group and has financially contributed towards the testing of new traps.
Following the EU referendum, there was uncertainty over potential Brexit implications on AIHTS. However after representation by BASC and other organisations, ministers confirmed that the UK would meet its obligations irrespective of membership of the EU.
How is AIHTS being implemented?
All approved spring traps are listed on Spring Traps Approval Orders (STAOs).
These STAOs contain a number of details and rules for specific trap designs, such as the species which they are permitted to be set for, the circumstances and any particular requirements relating to their use.
The STAOs were updated as part of the AIHTS implementation process with newly tested and approved traps and trap configurations (the way they can be set).
A number of older designed traps no longer in production were removed. For other commonly used trap designs there was in effect a use-up period until 1 April 2020, including for stoats.
After this date only those traps which meet the AIHTS requirements for stoats and are listed on the STAO may be used for trapping them.
However, the use of other traps listed on the STAOs remain legal for certain species and circumstances providing all relevant requirements are adhered to.
General licences – stoats
As a result of the implementation of The Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS), there are several important changes which came into effect on 1st April 2020.
If you are responsible for trapping stoats you must comply with the Spring Traps Approval Orders (STAOs) and general licences. It is important to note that there can be differences between countries:
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
No, Fenns and several other trap designs can still be used to trap relevant pests provided they are listed on the relevant STAO and you act in accordance with the requirements.
If you are targeting stoats, you will need to change to a stoat approved design/set-up as listed on the relevant STAO and follow the relevant general licence.
Some older models such as the Juby or Imbra have been removed from the current STAOs and therefore can no longer be used.
It is not illegal to own or sell them, but it is illegal to use them for an unlawful purpose. So, they can no longer be set.
Yes, the changes to the Wildlife and Countryside Act are solely around trapping.
Because of how the WCA is worded, it is an offence to set a trap (not listed on the stoat general licence), where it is calculated (England & Wales) or likely (Scotland) to cause injury to an animal in schedule 6 or 6ZA.
As it can be difficult to avoid stoats in some instances, given their size and agility, where they are known to be present an approved stoat trap which is also authorised for other species should be used.
In other areas where stoats are not known to be present and as such catching one is not calculated or likely, you should be able to continue trapping other species such as rats with appropriate traps.
If a stoat were to be caught in an uncertified trap (i.e. one not listed on the STAO for stoats) without it being calculated or likely, then it is unlikely that an offence would be committed.
But ultimately, it would be for the individual setting a trap to assess a given situation and potentially be prepared to justify their actions if they were to be prosecuted.
It is also important to note that it is not only if a stoat were to be caught but in situations where it is calculated or likely to cause injury that an offence would be committed.
We are seeking further clarification on this and hope to update in due course.
For further information contact the game and gundog team on 01244 573 019 or by email.
For further information contact the Game and Gundog team on 01244 573 019 or by email.
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