Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Make the sale and ownership of gin traps illegal within the UK

Closed 663 signatures

What the petition asks

Since 1958 the use of gin traps has been illegal within the UK. However, in a loop hole it is still legal to own and sell these dangerous traps. Meaning anyone can possess and use these traps, making them a hazard to unsuspecting pets and wildlife.
Having a recent experience of my neighbour using these traps in an attempt to maim my own cats, it has been made clear to me , with some research, that these are still being used within the UK. Trapping and harming all manner of animals including cats, dogs, foxes, and hedgehogs etc.

These barbaric devices and are designed to inflict as much harm as possible to animals. This law needs to be changed as soon as possible to stop the pain being inflicted onto unsuspecting and innocent animals.

Timeline

27 Nov 2020 Petition opened for signatures
27 May 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 663
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 27 Nov 2020
Closed 27 May 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.