Swann disappointed at DAERA’s refusal to ban snares
- Apr 10
- 1 min read
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has voiced his frustration following a response from the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir MLA confirming that there are no current plans to ban the use of snares in Northern Ireland.
The Minister stated that while animal welfare remains a priority, a ban on snares was not included in his department's "Animal Welfare Pathway" published in 2025. The Minister cited a full legislative schedule and limited time remaining in the current mandate as the primary reasons why the ban cannot be progressed.
Mr Swann had written to the department seeking clarity on whether Northern Ireland would bring forward legislation in line with the rest of the UK.
The South Antrim MP said:
"It is very disappointing that the Department has no intention of moving to ban these devices during this mandate.”
"The fact that a ban is already in place or being progressed in other parts of the UK leaves Northern Ireland as an outlier.
"Snares are inherently cruel and indiscriminate. While the Minister expresses sympathy for animal welfare concerns, this does not provide the legislative protection required to end this practice."
