Trapped badger died in illegal snare

An illegal snare found behind a bowling club has claimed the life of a defenceless badger - and an enquiry has been launched to find the culprit.

The Scottish SPCA recovered the stricken creature at the football pitch next to the club in Cleland on Wednesday, July 8.

The snare that killed the badger is categorised as being illegal as it had been set on a fence line.

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This is unlawful due to the risk of an animal being wholly or partially suspended, leading to severe and unnecessary suffering.

It also lacked a ‘stop’ which halts the device from tightening behind a certain point. It also did not have the identification tag snares are required to have by law.

The snare was also made out of nylon which too is illegal.

An inspector for the charity who cannot be named for reasons of confidentiality said: “The badger had an agonising death. It must have passed under the fence and was caught around the neck.

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“In its attempt to escape the snare was further wrapped round its death 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 can also be caught in them.

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“ It is illegal too for anyone to tamper with a legally set snare so we would ask the public not to attempt this.

“ If someone suspects that a snare is set illegally then they should call us on our helpline at 03000 999 999.