A GAMEKEEPER from the Scottish Borders has been fined for illegally snaring a fox.
Thomas Ebner, 74, from Reston in the Scottish Borders, pled guilty to setting a snare that could cause unnecessary suffering to any animal that came into contact with it.
Along with the fine of £1250, Ebner must pay a £75 surcharge. He was sentenced at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) said it was "clear that the fox was experiencing both mental and physical distress" when a member of the public found the animal caught in the wire.
The snare was found on land belonging to Old Castles Farm in Chirnside.
A SSPCA Inspector from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said: “The fox was found caught in a snare along a broken fence line by members of the public.
“It was seen jumping through the fence in considerable distress and foaming at the mouth. The snare was wrapped around a fence post and was blood-stained. A member of the public was able to free the fox from the snare.”
“This snare was set in a way that caused suffering to the fox. There was a significant risk of it becoming entangled in the fence, which could have led to strangulation.
“It was clear that the fox was experiencing both mental and physical distress. The animal was also at further risk of injury from surrounding barbed wire and broken wood.”
As part of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act, snares were banned in 2024.
The inspector continued: “The snare was set by an individual who had attended an official snare training course, where they were taught the correct way to set snares.
“This is yet another example of the cruel impact snares can have on animal welfare and the unnecessary suffering they cause. We welcome the ban on snares implemented by the Scottish Government.”
“We have also been given additional investigative powers to tackle wildlife crime. These powers allow our inspectors, who are already investigating animal welfare offences, to search, examine, and seize evidence.”
“The Bill includes various measures to protect wildlife, such as a ban on all forms of snares and glue traps.”
“We have long called for an outright ban on snares due to the suffering they inflict on animals, whether used legally or illegally.
“Animals caught in snares can endure unimaginable physical and mental anguish. Snares are non-selective and can harm both domestic animals and non-target wildlife.”
