“Inherently cruel”: Swann hits out as Northern Ireland snare ban ruled out

A animal snare discovered at a riverside location where otters were found

Northern Ireland is set to remain the only part of the UK without movement towards a ban on animal snares during the current Assembly mandate, after the Agriculture Minister confirmed there are no plans to bring forward legislation on the issue.

The confirmation has prompted sharp criticism from South Antrim MP Robin Swann, who said the decision leaves Northern Ireland lagging behind the rest of the UK on animal welfare protections and prolongs the use of what he described as “inherently cruel and indiscriminate” devices.

Minister confirms no ban planned in current mandate

Mr Swann said he sought clarity from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on whether Northern Ireland intended to introduce legislation in line with other parts of the UK where restrictions or bans are already in place or being advanced.

In response, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA confirmed that, while animal welfare remains a departmental priority, a ban on snares does not currently feature in the department’s Animal Welfare Pathway, published in 2025.

The Minister said the decision was driven by pressures on the legislative timetable and the limited time left in the current Assembly mandate, meaning there is no scope to progress such a measure before the end of the term.

That means no legislative move to prohibit the use of snares is expected in Northern Ireland in the near term.

Robin Swann voices frustration

Reacting to the response, Mr Swann said he was deeply disappointed by the department’s position.

He said: “It is very disappointing that the Department has no intention of moving to ban these devices during this mandate.”

He continued: “The fact that a ban is already in place or being progressed in other parts of the UK leaves Northern Ireland as an outlier.”

Mr Swann added: “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.”

The South Antrim MP’s remarks are likely to intensify calls from campaigners and animal welfare groups for stronger protections in Northern Ireland.

Animal welfare concerns remain in focus

Snares have long been the subject of controversy due to concerns over animal suffering and the risk of non-target species becoming trapped.

Critics argue that the devices can cause prolonged distress and injury and do not provide adequate safeguards for domestic animals or protected wildlife.

The Minister’s acknowledgement that animal welfare remains a priority, while stopping short of legislative action, is likely to fuel further debate over whether the issue can be revisited in a future mandate.

Northern Ireland’s position under scrutiny

With legislative action either already implemented or under active consideration elsewhere in the UK, the latest response places renewed focus on Northern Ireland’s position.

For opponents of snaring, the absence of a planned ban means the region now risks being seen as increasingly isolated on a key animal welfare issue.

Any future move to outlaw the devices would now likely depend on a new Assembly mandate and a revised legislative programme.

What happens next

For now, no immediate legal changes are expected.

However, the issue is likely to remain politically live, particularly as pressure mounts for Northern Ireland to align with wider UK animal welfare standards.

Whether the matter returns in the next Assembly term may depend on political priorities set after the current mandate ends.

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At a glance

• DAERA has confirmed there are no current plans to ban snares in Northern Ireland

• The issue is not included in the 2025 Animal Welfare Pathway

• Minister Andrew Muir cited a full legislative schedule and limited time left in the mandate

• South Antrim MP Robin Swann said he is “very disappointed”

• Swann said Northern Ireland is now an outlier compared with the rest of the UK

• He described snares as “inherently cruel and indiscriminate”

• No legislative changes are expected during the current Assembly term

• Any ban would likely need to be considered in a future mandate