We’re thrilled that as of today, the use of snares is officially banned in Scotland.

This significant milestone means that wild, farmed, and companion animals across the country will no longer endure the inhumane mental and physical agony inflicted by snare traps.

This victory is the result of decades of tireless campaigning by OneKind, like-minded groups and individuals, alongside the unwavering support of our incredible supporters, who demonstrated the strong public backing for this crucial ban. 

Welcome to Scotland, a snare-free country 

OneKind team, Scottish Badgers and MSPs outside Scottish Parliament with a sign saying  Welcome to Scotland, a snare-free country.

To celebrate the ban coming into effect, we gathered outside the Scottish Parliament with 11 MSPs with a sign that read ‘Welcome to Scotland, a snare-free country’.

OneKind Campaigns Director Ross Minett with wire snare and large metal sign saying

The sign, modelled on the ‘Welcome to Scotland’ sign at the Scottish border on the A1, is an ode to a 2010 campaign stunt we undertook to push for a snaring ban. At the time, we were encouraging the Scottish Government and the public to envision a snare-free Scotland. We’re delighted that as of today, this is no longer a vision, but reality. 

Scotland now joins the majority of European countries that have implemented bans on snares. 

‘A historic day’ 

OneKind CEO Bob Elliot with Arianne Burgess MSP cutting snare outside Scottish Parliament.

OneKind Director, Bob Elliot, said: 

Today is a historic day for Scotland. After decades of campaigning for a ban, we are thrilled that from today the use of snares is now illegal.  

For far too long, animals have endured suffering in these cruel and outdated traps. We extend our gratitude to the Scottish Government for taking action to end this cruelty. 

We’re delighted that Scotland now joins the vast majority of European countries that have consigned snares to the history books.” 

The following MSPs were in attendance on the day: Lorna Slater, Ariane Burgess, Maggie Chapman, Mark Ruskell, Karen Adam, Ben Macpherson. Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Colin Smyth, Carol Mochan and John Mason. 

Ariane Burgess MSP outside Scottish Parliament holding a sign saying welcome to scotland, a snare-free country.
Maggie Chapman MSP outside Scottish Parliament holding a sign saying welcome to scotland, a snare-free country.
Mark Ruskell MSP outside Scottish Parliament holding a sign saying welcome to scotland, a snare-free country.

Karen Adam MSP outside Scottish Parliament holding a sign saying
Stuart McMillan outside Scottish Parliament holding a sign saying
Kenneth Gibson outside Scottish Parliament holding a sign saying

Scottish badgers team member, Bob Elliot and Colin Smyth outside Scottish Parliament holding a sign saying
Carol Mochan MSP and Bob Elliot outside Scottish Parliament holding a sign saying
John Mason MSP outside Scottish Parliament holding a sign saying