Fox suffers ‘horrific injuries’ after illegal snare set in York suburb
A fox had to be put down after it suffered ‘horrific injuries’ from an illegal snare set in a York suburb.
Horrified staff at the RSPCA are appealing for information after a member of the public found the critically injured animal in a hedgerow near Rye Walk, Clifton.
The illegal self-locking snare had caught the young fox around his middle and tightened as he struggled to get free, causing appalling injuries.
Rye Walk, York
The wire loop device had been dug into the ground and attached to a stake which had been anchored down.
The fox was rushed to the nearby RSPCA York Animal Home in Landing Lane. A vet there concluded that the snare had caused such severe injuries that the animal had to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
The RSPCA – which is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any traps which cause suffering – has appealed with anyone with information about the incident to contact them, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018.
RSPCA deputy chief inspector Claire Mitchell, who is investigating the fox’s death and has made enquiries locally, said: “It’s a devastating sight when you see a beautiful, wild animal with horrific injuries like this.
“This was an illegally set self-locking snare which had caused untold suffering to this young mammal.
“Worryingly, it had been placed in close proximity to residential streets where people may have pets, and our concern is that there may also be other devices set in this area.
“We are just very grateful that this fox was spotted and not left to suffer in this awful state for even longer.
“These cruel and barbaric devices have devastating consequences and I’d urgently appeal to anyone with information about this incident to get in contact with us.”
Law on snares
There are regulations governing the use of snares. It is illegal to set these devices for birds, deer, badgers and certain other species, though snares cannot distinguish between animals and may trap the wrong one.
It is up to the person setting the snare to ensure that the snare they use complies with the law.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prohibits the use of self-locking snares which, as a variation on the traditional noose, tightens as the animal struggles to escape.
You should never try to free an animal from a snare or trap as they are often more seriously injured than you think.
If you find an injured wild animal, then stay back to avoid stressing the animal and call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999. We have more advice on dealing with injured animals on our website.