EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — Scotland’s ban on animal snares has been hailed as a landmark moment for animal welfare by Cats Protection, the UK’s largest feline charity. The legislation, which took effect in November, aims to prevent the suffering and deaths of countless pets and wildlife ensnared in these cruel devices.
Alice Palombo, Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Scotland at Cats Protection, called the ban a turning point. “We’ve campaigned for this ban for many years after witnessing far too many cases of cats enduring agonising injuries and even death from being caught in snares,” Palombo said.
She described snares as “indiscriminate” traps that maim or kill any animal unlucky enough to encounter them. “Once trapped, animals — whether they’re pets or wildlife — often suffer prolonged, painful deaths. Those few that manage to escape or are found alive typically face amputation and permanent, life-altering injuries,” Palombo explained.
The ban represents a significant step forward, sending a clear message that such inhumane practices have no place in modern society. Palombo added, “This is a victory for animal welfare in Scotland, and we will continue to campaign for similar bans across the UK to follow Scotland’s example.”
The dangers of snares were brought into sharp focus by the story of Harry, a ginger-and-white cat from Aberdeenshire. Harry’s owner, Marion Brownlie, discovered him last year in a nearby field with horrifying injuries.
Harry had gone missing for five days, and when Marion found him collapsed, she initially believed he had been “cut in two.” The injuries, caused by a snare, were so severe that the cat had somehow managed to survive for days before dragging himself to safety.
Vets confirmed that Harry had been trapped in a snare and performed emergency surgery to repair a deep, gaping wound stretching from hip to hip across his abdomen. Though his recovery required extensive rest and confinement to a cage, Harry was ultimately able to return home.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Marion said, “It was like something out of a nightmare. Seeing him in that state was devastating, but he somehow held on. After all the veterinary care and support, Harry pulled through. But no animal should ever have to endure such horrific pain.”
Marion expressed relief at the new ban, adding, “These devices are inhumane and cause unimaginable suffering. Knowing they are now banned in Scotland is a huge comfort.”
Cats Protection and other advocacy groups are optimistic that the Scottish legislation will pave the way for similar measures across the UK. The charity reiterated its commitment to ensuring that such cruel practices are eradicated and that no animal, wild or domestic, is subjected to the horrific injuries caused by snares.