RSPCA Warning As Badger Caught In Vale Of Glamorgan Snare
The cruel and indiscriminate nature of snares has been highlighted, after a badger became trapped in a device in the Vale of Glamorgan.
RSPCA Cymru was alerted to the incident on 5 February, after a badger was found trapped in the snare, next to a fence, in a Barry field.
A member of the public initially thought the badger was foraging by the fence, but, after being concerned by a lack of movement, later found it to be trapped.
The snare had become caught around the badger’s neck, with wounds visible on the animal’s body.
RSPCA Cymru rescued the animal, who was highly defensive after the painful ordeal. The badger was transported to a veterinary practice for treatment, where it was removed from the snare, and given a course of anti-biotics and painkillers.
The badger will now require approximately one week of rehabilitation prior to release back to the wild.
A snare is a wire noose, attached to a stake or heavy object acting as an anchor. They are usually set to catch foxes or rabbits, but cannot distinguish between different species of animals.
RSPCA Cymru is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any traps which cause suffering.
The device was not a self-locking snare, which are illegal. However, it is an offence, under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, to wilfully injure, kill or take a badger (except under licence). Badgers are also listed under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which would make the use of a snare to catch badgers an offence.
Selina Chan, RSPCA Inspector, said:
“I found the trapped badger to be, understandably, very distressed and defensive. Fortunately, I was able to reach this poor badger before the snare did further damage.
“Put simply, had this member of the public not spotted the animal and involved RSPCA Cymru, it may have starved to death.
“Given the legal framework protecting them, it could be assumed this badger was not the target for the snare, highlighting – once again – the indiscriminate nature of these cruel devices.
“Snares can cause a huge amount of pain and distress to animals – both pets and wildlife – and this incident is another example of why their use if both inhumane and indiscriminate.
“Luckily, it is hoped this badger will be released back to the wild in the near future – but many other wild animals are not so fortunate.”
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