Ban the use of snares and similar non-selective trapping devices in Nova Scotia
Ban the use of snares and similar non-selective trapping devices in Nova Scotia
The Issue
Nova Scotia needs legislation banning the use of snares and similar non-selective trapping devices for capturing wildlife.
Many Nova Scotians view cruelty toward domestic animals, such as domestic cats and dogs, as unacceptable and criminal, yet similar species like bobcats and coyotes are routinely killed.
Current regulations in the province still permit the use of foot-hold traps for bobcats and coyotes if "it has been modified to improve humaneness by such means as laminating the jaws, off-setting the jaws, padding the jaws, using a trap that incorporates a cable restraint, or other similarly effective means of improving humaneness." Does this really improve "humaneness?" Arguably, these modifications do not eliminate suffering, prevent prolonged distress, or address exposure, panic, or self-inflicted injury. The animals remain trapped until found and killed. Legally, this can be done with a rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow or crossbow by a licensed hunter during specific months.
Banning snares in Nova Scotia aligns with advancing humane wildlife management practices, promotes public safety around natural areas, supports the protection of non‐target species (including species at risk like the lynx), and reflects the evolving ethical norms regarding wildlife capture.
Jurisdictions elsewhere have moved to ban or restrict snares because of animal welfare concerns, non-target captures, and public safety risks. For instance, by October 2023 Wales implemented a total ban on snares. The Scotland Government announced a ban on all snares in 2024.
According to the official 2014–2024 furbearer harvest data from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, the number of bobcats reported harvested in the 2023–24 trapping season totalled 531. There were 1620 coyotes reported in the same year. The information on how many of these animals were caught using a snare or similar trap is not publicly available.
Enacting a ban on snares and similar non-selective trapping devices will enhance animal welfare, reduce risks to pets and people, improve public confidence in wildlife management, and align Nova Scotia with best-practice policies in other jurisdictions.
Trapping practices need to reflect modern standards of ethics, safety and conservation.
1
The Issue
Nova Scotia needs legislation banning the use of snares and similar non-selective trapping devices for capturing wildlife.
Many Nova Scotians view cruelty toward domestic animals, such as domestic cats and dogs, as unacceptable and criminal, yet similar species like bobcats and coyotes are routinely killed.
Current regulations in the province still permit the use of foot-hold traps for bobcats and coyotes if "it has been modified to improve humaneness by such means as laminating the jaws, off-setting the jaws, padding the jaws, using a trap that incorporates a cable restraint, or other similarly effective means of improving humaneness." Does this really improve "humaneness?" Arguably, these modifications do not eliminate suffering, prevent prolonged distress, or address exposure, panic, or self-inflicted injury. The animals remain trapped until found and killed. Legally, this can be done with a rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow or crossbow by a licensed hunter during specific months.
Banning snares in Nova Scotia aligns with advancing humane wildlife management practices, promotes public safety around natural areas, supports the protection of non‐target species (including species at risk like the lynx), and reflects the evolving ethical norms regarding wildlife capture.
Jurisdictions elsewhere have moved to ban or restrict snares because of animal welfare concerns, non-target captures, and public safety risks. For instance, by October 2023 Wales implemented a total ban on snares. The Scotland Government announced a ban on all snares in 2024.
According to the official 2014–2024 furbearer harvest data from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, the number of bobcats reported harvested in the 2023–24 trapping season totalled 531. There were 1620 coyotes reported in the same year. The information on how many of these animals were caught using a snare or similar trap is not publicly available.
Enacting a ban on snares and similar non-selective trapping devices will enhance animal welfare, reduce risks to pets and people, improve public confidence in wildlife management, and align Nova Scotia with best-practice policies in other jurisdictions.
Trapping practices need to reflect modern standards of ethics, safety and conservation.
1
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Petition created on January 26, 2026