Ministry of Agriculture Plans to Ban Large-Caliber Metal Snares; Animal Welfare Groups Push for Total Prohibition

The Ministry of Agriculture has initiated legislative amendments to ban the import, manufacture, and sale of large-caliber metal snares, responding to concerns over animal welfare. Meanwhile, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) is focusing on promoting improved, safer hunting equipment.

Animal welfare organizations held a press conference arguing that indiscriminate traps like 'pig snares' cause severe injuries or death to both wildlife and domestic pets. They have called for a complete ban and scheduled a protest for the 27th.

In response, FANCA stated that trap management must address the needs of indigenous communities and farmers who use them for crop protection and traditional hunting. A total ban without viable alternatives could drive the practice underground, complicating conservation efforts. FANCA noted that past experiences with steel-jaw traps—now banned under both the Animal Protection Act and the Wildlife Conservation Act—showed that legislation alone does not eliminate illegal use; 32 illegal traps were still discovered during recent patrols.

FANCA highlighted that building trust with mountain residents is essential for reporting wildlife rescues, such as black bears caught in traps. Fearing legal repercussions from a total ban would lead residents to hide such incidents, hindering conservation. Instead, FANCA advocates for reducing collateral damage through 'hunting gear improvement' and source management.

Regarding the demand for a total ban, FANCA explained that previous commitments were contingent on reaching a consensus with indigenous groups. However, a January survey by the Council of Indigenous Peoples revealed that 60% of respondents opposed a total ban. To date, FANCA has successfully replaced over 12,000 sets of traditional traps with improved versions and continues to engage tribal communities to transform residents into partners in ecological protection.