Bushcraft and Survival UK Trapping Laws
Trapping, a traditional method employed for wildlife management, pest control, and conservation, is subject to comprehensive legislation in the United Kingdom to ensure ethical practices and the welfare of both target and non-target species. Trapping is something that shouldn’t be used unless it’s for necessary pest control where other methods failed, or you find yourself in a survival situation.
Overview of Trapping in the UK
Trapping serves multiple purposes, including controlling pest populations, protecting crops, conserving native species, and conducting scientific research. To balance these objectives with animal welfare considerations, the UK has established stringent regulations governing the use of traps.
Legal Framework Governing Trapping
Several key pieces of legislation regulate trapping activities in the UK:
1. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
This foundational act offers protection to various wildlife species and outlines permissible methods for their capture or killing. Notably, it prohibits the use of certain traps deemed inhumane, such as self-locking snares and gin traps.
2. Pests Act 1954
The Pests Act prohibits most kinds of spring traps. It also puts almost the whole of England and Wales under a “rabbit clearance order,” obligating land occupiers to take reasonable measures to control wild rabbit populations on their land.
3. Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS)
Implemented to enhance animal welfare, the AIHTS sets humane trapping standards for specific species. In the UK, this agreement particularly affects the trapping of stoats, leading to updated regulations to comply with these standards.
Types of Traps and Their Legal Status
Understanding the legal status of various traps is crucial for compliance:
1. Spring Traps
Designed to kill animals instantly by breaking their spinal column, spring traps must be approved under the Spring Traps Approval Order to be used legally. Setting unapproved traps or using approved traps in unapproved ways is illegal.
2. Snares
Snares are anchored cable or wire nooses set to catch wild animals such as squirrels and rabbits. In the UK, the use of self-locking snares is prohibited, while free-running snares are permitted under strict conditions to minimize animal suffering and reduce non-target captures.
3. Cage Traps
Cage traps, including Larsen traps, are commonly used for capturing certain bird species. Their use is regulated under general licences, and users must adhere to specific conditions, such as providing adequate food, water, shelter, and perches for any decoy birds used.
Species-Specific Trapping Regulations
Different species are subject to specific trapping regulations:
1. Stoats
Following the AIHTS implementation, new regulations came into force on 1 April 2020, requiring the use of approved and certified humane traps for stoats. Traditional traps like the Fenn Mark IV are no longer lawful for stoat capture.
2. Birds
Trapping of certain wild birds is permitted under general licences for purposes such as preserving public health or conserving other bird species. Operators must comply with standard licence conditions, including restrictions on bait types and trap placement.
3. Foxes, Rabbits, and Brown Hares
In all parts of the UK, snares may be set to catch foxes, rabbits, and brown hares, provided the trapper is the landowner or has the landowner’s permission. However, adherence to legal requirements and best practices is essential to ensure humane treatment and compliance with the law.
Best Practices for Legal and Ethical Trapping
To conduct trapping activities responsibly:
Obtain Necessary Permissions: Always secure permission from landowners before setting traps on their property.
Use Approved Equipment: Ensure all traps used are approved for the intended species and comply with current regulations.
Protect the Wild
Regularly Inspect Traps: Check traps at legally required intervals to minimize animal suffering and promptly release non-target species.
Maintain Accurate Records: Keep detailed records of trapping activities, including trap types, locations, and species captured, to demonstrate compliance and inform management practices.
Enforcement and Penalties
Non-compliance with trapping laws can result in legal action, including fines and potential imprisonment. Enforcement is carried out by various authorities, including the police and wildlife protection agencies. Recent calls for stricter enforcement and legislative updates highlight the ongoing commitment to animal welfare and ethical wildlife management.
The UK’s trapping laws are designed to balance the needs of wildlife management with ethical considerations and animal welfare. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, individuals involved in trapping can contribute to sustainable and humane wildlife practices.
