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A Wales-wide ban on “inhumane” snares and glue traps has now come into force.

Wales has become the first UK nation to introduce the ban, which came into effect on Tuesday October 17.

Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths said the ban will “bring an end to suffering and pain to many animals, often those which were not the intended target of the trap.

“The aim of the ban is to stop an inhumane method of predator and rodent control. Other more humane methods exist and are widely used.

“The use of snares and glue traps are not compatible with the high animal welfare standards we strive for here in Wales.”

The minister added: “I’m pleased we are leading the way on this issue.”

Both snares and glue traps can cause suffering to the animals they catch, including unintended targets such as pets.

Glue traps can cause cats to suffer injuries so bad they may need to be put down.

With the ban now in force, anyone found guilty of using a snare could face prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

Billie-Jade Thomas, senior public affairs manager at RSPCA Cymru, said snares and glue traps “have the potential to cause immeasurable suffering to animals”.

She continued: “Too often, our officers have dealt with animals in severe pain and misery at the hands of these devices; which are cruel, indiscriminate and totally unnecessary.

“The lives of many animals will be saved including wildlife, pets and farm animals such as sheep and lambs.”

Animal welfare charity League Against Cruel Sports has backed the ban following a six-year campaign.

Shahinoor Alom, the charity’s public affairs officer, said the ban “reflects the views of the Welsh public and is a fantastic result for wildlife in Wales”.

He added: “It’s time for change, and for the Scottish Parliament and Westminster to follow Wales’s lead.

“We also need to ensure that the ban is being adhered to, so we are calling on the Welsh public to play their part by being vigilant and report any sighting of these barbaric devices.”

Caerphilly’s Labour MS Hefin David also voiced his support for the ban and said: “Hopefully we’ll see other UK nations follow suit against the use of these inhumane practices and in turn, see an improvement in animal welfare standards across the UK.”