Badger death sparks probe

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a deceased badger was found in Cleland.

The Society’s special investigations unit was alerted and the snare was discovered on Wednesday, July 8.

A similar incident was reported to the SPCA in nearby Airdrie.

From 2018 to 2019, the charity dealt with almost 60 incidents involving animals caught in snares. The majority of these animals were dead on arrival.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity supports an outright ban on all snares due to the level of suffering an animal is caused.

The snares that killed the badgers were illegal as both had been set on a fence line.

Scottish SPCA 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 in these incidents.

“In Cleland, the badger there had a faster, but still agonising, death. It must have passed under the fence and was caught around the neck.

“In its attempt to escape, the snare was further wrapped around its neck during the struggle. We suspect the cause of death to be asphyxiation.

“People need to remember that these devices cause not only physical torture but mental anguish for any animal caught in them.

“These areas are popular with dog walkers so we would ask that anyone with pets in the areas 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.

“If anyone has any information, we would urge them to phone our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”