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.

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