Shifting animal welfare rules

Animal welfare rules are shifting—here’s what pest professionals need to know

The government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy for England has landed, and it brings some important changes for anyone working in wildlife and pest control. As highlighted by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), the strategy confirms a ban on snare traps in England, aligning with Wales and Scotland where they’re already prohibited.

But the bigger development for our sector is Defra’s plan to review several other outdoor traps where welfare concerns have been raised. This includes:

• Older spring traps

• Mole traps

• Live-capture corvid traps

Everyday household snap traps for rats and mice are not part of the review.

BPCA has already met with Defra and is gathering feedback from professionals on the ground. As BPCA Chief Executive Rosina Robson points out, it’s essential that policymakers understand the difference between indiscriminate use and the controlled, responsible work carried out by trained technicians.

If your business relies on any of the traps under review—or if further restrictions would affect how you operate—BPCA wants to hear from you. Real-world insight will help ensure the sector is represented fairly as the evidence base is built.

You can read the full BPCA update via PPC Online at Professional Pest Controller.