Warning over snare traps on canal path
PET owners are being warned to keep an eye out after cruel snare traps were discovered by a canal in Rochdale.
The four snares caught and killed three wild rabbits after they were set along metal fencing near to a canal and railway line on Bellfield Mill Lane.
RSPCA inspector Jason Bowles received a call from a member of the public who told him the snares had been left unattended for days, and has issued a warning about the dangers the traps pose to pets and wildlife.
He said: “Sadly, snares are usually set to catch a fox or rabbit, but victims of these indiscriminate traps can include any animal really, including badgers and pets like dogs or cats.”
A snare is a noose attached to a stake or heavy object that acts as an anchor. Although they are legal there are strict laws around their use governed by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which requires all users to check their snares at least once a day.
Inspector Bowles said: “I’m appealing for anyone with any information about who might have set these snares to get in touch, and I also want to warn pet owners to be vigilant.
“The RSPCA is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any traps which cause suffering. Anyone found guilty of illegally setting a snare faces a maximum £5,000 fine and/or six months in prison.
“These are horrible devices and when pets fall victim to contraptions like this it is devastating for their owners.
“I would urge the person who is setting these traps for whatever reason to reconsider their actions.”
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 also prohibits the use of self locking snares, and requires that all users of snares take all reasonable precautions to prevent injury to protected animals.
In March a cat by the name of Tigoe in Essex nearly lost a paw when he got caught in a suspected home made snare, and in January the RSPCA in Sufflok were called to help a fox that was found hanging by his waist after getting caught in a snare.
Inspector Bowles added: “Sadly not all snare stories will end in rescues, so we would remind people to reconsider using these traps and for pet owners to stay vigilant in the area.”
Anyone with information can call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 1238018.