Many traps of different types and designs are available on the internet, supplied from all over the world. Many people have heard that rat traps are not covered by the Spring Trap legislation and so believe that any trap can be used for rats – but it’s not that simple.
The exemption for rats that is often quoted when questions like this come up is covered by the The Small Ground Vermin Traps Order, 1958.
The schedule states an exemption for :
1. Spring traps known as break-back traps and commonly used for the destruction of rats, mice or other small ground vermin.
2. Spring traps of the kind commonly used for catching moles in their runs.
Personally I would say that any traps which is either a) not a break back or b) not commonly used for the destruction of rats would not be covered by this exemption. In the end it would be for a court to decide.
And remember, even rats and mice are protected from undue suffering under the wildlife legislation.
