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Wales snare and glue trap ban comes into force
The move to ban glue traps and snares has been welcomed by RSPCA Cymru.

The move has been welcomed by campaigners.

From today (17 October), the use of snares and glue traps is illegal in Wales. Anyone found using one could face imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.

The new law, part of the Agriculture (Wales) Bill, makes Wales the first country in the UK to ban their use.

A snare is a wire noose and a glue trap is a small board covered in an adhesive. The traps had been used for predator and rodent control, but campaigners argued that they were indiscriminate and caused unnecessary suffering.

The Welsh government has described the ban coming into force as an “historic day”.

Lesley Griffiths, rural affairs minister, said: “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.”

The change in the law has been welcomed by animal welfare organisations, many of which have campaigned in support of a ban.

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.”

As part of its Action Plan for Animal Welfare, launched in May, the UK Government is intending to launch a call for evidence on the use of snares. The Scottish government recently introduced a bill which will ban the use of glue traps and launched a consultation on the use of snares.

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.