Copyright walesonline
Police are investigating after undercover footage showed snares apparently being laid within a Welsh forest. The video, obtained by the Green Britain Foundation, was filmed on the outskirts of Ruabon Moor and within Llandegla Forest in Denbighshire . It seems to show individuals checking and setting snares at a so-called stink pit, where animal carcasses are placed to lure wildlife into the traps. In October, 2023, the Welsh Government outlawed the use of snares and glue traps – marking the first ban of its kind in the UK. The Scottish Government followed suit, banning snaring in November 2024. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here A spokeswoman for North Wales Police confirmed that an inquiry had been launched into the alleged use of snares in North Wales. She said: "Officers from the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team are investigating the alleged use of illegal snares in a wooded area near Llandegla." She added that the investigation was still ongoing. The footage initially documented four live snares, arranged around a stink pit, on June 28. Hidden cameras then recorded visits by individuals who seemed to be checking and adjusting the snares between June 30 and August 15, with the carcasses of red-legged partridges noted at the stink pit on July 25. North Wales Police was alerted by the Green Britain Foundation on August 25 and officers attended the scene. Dale Vince, founder of the charity, commented: "Snares are medieval cruelty. Wales and Scotland banned them for good reason. "Snares are indiscriminate, killing all kinds of wildlife in the most hideously cruel way. "The police are investigating, and that's welcome." Mr Vince said snares were often used to kill wildlife in support of bird breeding as part of the business of shooting birds for sport and money. He urged the UK Government to impose a ban on snares in England "without further delay". Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
