Laws banning snares and other animal traps come into force in Guernsey
The Animal Welfare (Guernsey) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 places restrictions on snares, glue traps and lamping - the practice of using bright lights to dazzle hunted animals.
The changes also give greater enforcement powers for animal welfare investigations.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee, said: 'The Ordinance will have a notably positive effect on the lives of Guernsey's animals, aligning with legislative advancements elsewhere in recognition of animal sentience and helping fulfil our international Conventions and trade agreement obligations.'
The proposals were put forward by the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure and got approved by the island's assembly in July 2024.
What are the new laws?
As of 1st May 2025, it is an offence to:
use, sell, or be in possession of snares or gin/leg-hold traps to capture or kill animals;
use glue traps, for instance rodent glue boards, except if carried out by a pest controller licensed by the States Veterinary Office;
use artificial lighting or illuminating devices to capture, take, control or slaughter animals. Night vision devices are still allowed and using lights to identify or capture animals for environmental or scientific purposes is permitted under licence.
Certain stunning and slaughtering devices that do not meet humane standards for culling birds and small mammals are also prohibited.
The laws also prevent the farming of animals for fur, feathers and down or hides and skin as a primary product.
The production of foie gras by force-feeding and using wild animals in circuses is also banned.
Insect traps are still allowed, however they must be set up in a way that won't lead to larger animals becoming caught in them.
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