Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Snare Traps

Thursday 19 March 2026 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Progress is being made on banning snare traps as committed to in the animal welfare strategy.
  • The Government are consulting on introducing a closed season for hares to protect them during the breeding season.
  • The Government are also considering consulting on ending trail hunting where it is used to mask illegal fox hunting.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Brian Mathew Lib Dem Melksham and Devizes
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question pertains to the commitment made by the government in their manifesto regarding the banning of snare traps. There is a pressing need for action due to the indiscriminate nature of these traps.

Question

What progress has been made on banning snare traps as outlined in our manifesto and animal welfare strategy?

Answer from Emma Reynolds

As outlined in our manifesto, this Government are committed to bringing an end to the use of snare traps. We set out this commitment in our animal welfare strategy, and are actively looking to bring a ban on snares into force as quickly as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific timeline for implementing the ban

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Q2 Brian Mathew Lib Dem Melksham and Devizes
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question follows from the new animal welfare strategy for England which includes a ban on snares. The MP is concerned about protecting hares during their breeding season and ending trail hunting as a cover for illegal fox killing.

Question

I welcome the new animal welfare strategy for England, particularly the banning of snare traps, but what progress is being made on protecting hares during the breeding season, and delivering on the pledge to consult on ending trail hunting where it is used as a cover for illegally killing foxes?

Answer from Emma Reynolds

I thank the hon. Member for his interest, and share his view that the use of snare traps is cruel and indiscriminate. We are looking at and consulting on whether we can introduce a closed season for hares.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific timeline for consultations on ending trail hunting

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