Because setting and using snares is (currently) considered a ‘lawful activity’, anyone damaging, removing, or taking away a legally-set snare could (if caught) be charged with criminal damage or theft. If the snare is being used illegally (eg is being operated incorrectly, is set on land where snaring is not allowed, or is clearly nothing more a ‘homemade’ noose) it should be reported to the police. Police Scotland say that “If a snare is found not to be free running it should be removed or repaired” but does not clarify whether that applies only to removal by the snare operator (ie the individual that set the snare) or to anyone finding an illegal snare. Police action has been taken against activists caught with ‘pocketed’ snares, but – and we are not suggesting testing or breaking the law here – to our knowledge no one has been charged with simply tightening the noose on a snare (without damaging or removing the snare) so that it can’t trap animals.