South Lanarkshire Council have launched an investigation after a snare trap was discovered in woods near an East Kilbride primary school this week.
A member of the public discovered the cruel trap near Mossneuk Primary.
The traps can cause severe injury to animals who get caught in them and only people registered with police can use them.
We previously told you about an otter pup that died after being caught in an illegal snare.
Now local councillor David Watson has slammed whoever is responsible for setting the snare.
He told Lanarkshire Live : "A constituent brought to my attention the discovery of a snare trap in the woods near Mossneuk Primary School between Firlee and Eden Grove.
"This is an illegal and dangerous practice. It has potential to be dangerous to children and animals.
"South Lanarkshire Countryside and Greenspace section have been made aware of this issue and will investigate.
"In the meantime please take care if in the vicinity."
Since 2004 in Scotland it is an offence to use any snare which is, on the basis of its design and/or the manner in which it is used, calculated to cause unnecessary suffering.
As is the setting in position any snare or trap which is likely (rather than calculated) to cause injury to animals listed in earlier legislation.
A spokesman for SLC said: “We were made aware of this activity and our Countryside Ranger team are investigating.
“The council would never sanction the setting of any kind of animal traps on its land.”
SSPCA chief superintendent, Mike Flynn, said the welfare charity is in favour of an outright ban on the use of snares in Scotland.
He told us: “Snaring is legal subject to very stringent conditions.
“Every year we are alerted to multiple animals caught in snares who have been caused an immense amount of suffering, leading to their death.
“We see a lot of cases of illegal snaring, or legal snares being used illegally.
"The use of snares is very technical and time-consuming and unless a person is willing to dedicate the time and effort, it’s highly likely an animal’s welfare will be compromised.
“The suffering an animal endures in illegal snares is horrific and while snaring continues, suffering will continue.
“If a snare is set, it’s a legal requirement to check the snare within 24 hours to avoid unnecessary suffering.”
Anyone who finds a snare, is asked to contact the animal helpline on 03000 999 999 if it is thought to have been set illegally.
**Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head over to our page to give us a like and share.
