Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Snared badger had been dead for months
IAN BUNTING
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a badger was found in an illegal snare in Airdrie.
The Society’s special investigations unit was alerted to the disturbing discovery in the Lily Loch area on July 5.
The snare that killed the badger – who has been dead “two or three months” – was illegal as it had been set on a fence line.
This is unlawful due to the risk of an animal trapped being wholly or partially suspended, which can lead to severe unnecessary suffering.
The snare also didn’t have a “stop” which does not allow the device to tighten after a certain point.
All snares are legally required to have an identification tag but this was absent on this particular device.
From 2018 to 2019, the Scottish SPCA dealt with almost 60 incidents involving animals caught in snares; the majority of these animals were dead on arrival.
The animal welfare charity supports an outright ban on all snares due to the level of suffering an animal is caused.
Scottish SPCA’s special investigations inspector, who cannot be named due to undercover operations, said: “Snare operators must check on the device every 24 hours and this was not the case with this incident.
“The badger in Airdrie had been dead for two or three months.
“The badger must have passed under the fence and become caught in the snare under its front legs and panicked as the snare was wrapped around it several times.
“This meant it was trying to escape by passing under the fence again and again, constricting it further and further.
“This would not have been a fast death. The level of pain and distress caused to the badger would have been unimaginable.”
The inspector added: “People need to remember that these devices cause not only physical torture but mental anguish for any animal caught in them.
“This area is popular with dog walkers so we would ask that anyone with pets in the area are vigilant. Snares are indiscriminate and domestic animals such as dogs and cats can also be caught in them.
“It is illegal for anyone to tamper with a legally set snare so we would ask the public not to attempt this.
“If someone suspects a snare is set illegally then they should contact us immediately.
“We’ve been working closely with our partners at Police Scotland on this wildlife crime and both agencies are keen to find those responsible.
“We’d also like to thank the owners of the land in Airdrie, Premier Woodlands, who have been fully cooperative and are keen to find those responsible.
“If anyone has any information on whoever may have set this snare, or finds what they believe to be an illegal snare, we would urge them to phone our animal helpline immediately on 03000 999 999; all calls can be treated confidentially.”