The RSPCA has launched an investigation after a dead badger was found caught in a cruel snare in Northumberland.
The mammal died after becoming trapped by a suspected self-locking snare, an illegal device that had become deeply embedded in his neck. RSPCA inspector Rachael Hurst was called to the village of Lucker on Monday, May 29 after a member of the public had found the badger attached to a wooden fence by the snare.
Badgers and their setts are protected by law in England and Wales and it’s an offence to injure, kill or take a badger - except under licence - or set a snare to catch one.
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Distressing images of the badger have been shared by the RSPCA as they appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Rachael said: “The snare had become deeply embedded in the badger’s neck and it looked like he’d rolled and twisted several times in an attempt to free himself. It was a sad and distressing sight to see him dead in front of the sett - which we think is active.
"Clearly whoever has set this barbaric device in this location has done so with absolutely no thought whatsoever for the suffering their actions would cause.
"Residents in the village have heard about what’s happened and are understandably upset and we’d urge anyone with information to contact us via our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prohibits the use of self-locking snares which, as a variation on the traditional noose, tighten as the animal struggles to escape.
Although ‘free-running’ snares can be used legally in England to trap certain species of wild mammals - excluding badgers - if it becomes locked, either through design, poor maintenance or via improper positioning, the device can cause stress, injury and death. It’s also a legal requirement to check snares at least once a day.
Anyone who finds an injured wild animal is asked to call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999.
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