Traps: Birds caught could take days to die

RSPB Scotland’s head of investigations Ian Thomson said the spring traps discovered were designed to kill small mammals.

He said when used on creatures such as stoats or weasels – which can legally be killed – their backs would be broken, killing them instantly.

But birds caught on the traps could take days to die.

The devices cannot be used in the open when there is a risk to non-target species.

Mr Thomson said: “These traps are designed to kill small mammals such as rats, stoats and weasels, legally, by immediately breaking their backs.

“The traps should be set in a tunnel that prevents non-target species, like birds, getting caught.

“When set in the open, as in this case, they are more likely to catch birds – or larger mammals – by the legs. In the case of birds, the legs will invariably be broken and the victim will be held in place until it dies of shock or blood loss. This, of course, could take hours, or even days.”

An online petition launched by the Scottish Raptor Study Group and RSPB Scotland is calling for a state-regulated licensing system for game bird hunting in Scotland.