Trapping pest birds in the UK
Pest and predator control is an integral part of conservation and wildlife management and it is necessary to reduce predation and damage to acceptable levels.
Fox snaring
Foxes can be prolific predators of gamebirds, ground-nesting birds, small mammals and young livestock. but can be controlled by several different methods. They can be controlled by a number of different methods but no one method is suitable for all circumstances.
Modern fox snares (also referred to as humane cable restraints) are designed to only catch and hold. It has been illegal for more than 40 years to use any snare which is self-locking. ie. those designed to kill. These modern designs correctly used exceed internationally recognised standards for restraining traps.
A strategically set snare will catch foxes at times and in locations when other methods of control either won’t work or are impractical – for instance, when the cover is too high to be able to see or shoot a fox or the presence of livestock makes it unsafe to use a rifle.
Before setting a snare, it’s important to understand and comply with the legislation and familiarise yourself with any relevant codes of practice for your area. The rules can, and often do, vary.
It’s your responsibility to ensure that a snare is set correctly and legally.
Important changes to legislation in Wales and Scotland
From 17 October 2023 in Wales, and 25 November 2024 in Scotland, the use of all forms of snares became illegal and therefore such devices cannot be used in either country.Â
Manufacturers/stockists
At present we are advised the following manufacturers/stockists supply snares which are compliant with the relevant codes of practice.
Fox Snaring UKÂ
Telephone: 01764 671 073
Website www.fox-snaring.co.uk
Email enquiries@fox-snaring.co.uk
Solway Feeders Ltd. Main Street, Dundrennan, Kirkcudbright, Scotland, DG6 4QH
Telephone: 01557 500 253
Website www.solwayfeeders.com
Email mail@solwayfeeders.co.uk
Perdix Wildlife Supplies Avenue R, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LG
Telephone: 02476 692 257
Website:www.perdixwildlifesupplies.com
For more advice, contact the game and wildlife management team on Tel: 01244 573019 or email us here.
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Where do I start?
The shooting of foxes, ground game, pest birds and rats is necessary to ensure that damage to game, wildlife, livestock, and growing crops is kept at sustainable levels.
Mink control guidance
Mink have had a devastating impact on our native fauna through predation on vulnerable species of birds, fish and mammals such as the water vole.
