RSPCA warning over dangerous snare traps

The RSPCA has issued a warning over the "barbarity" of snare traps after a badger was found with a broken leg in a Norfolk town.

The animal charity has released photographs of the badger that was discovered in excruciating pain by a member of the public in Tuttles Lane East in Wymondham.

It had suffered a severe cut to the abdomen and a broken leg and had to be put to sleep by vets.

Under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, it is an offence (except under licence) to kill, injure or take a badger, to cruelly treat a badger or to interfere with a badger sett. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981,anyone found guilty of setting a self-locking snare, or illegally setting a free-running snare faces a maximum £5,000 fine and/or six months in prison.

Anyone with any information about how the badger came to be injured can call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

The RSPCA is opposed to the manufacture, saleand use of all snares and any traps which cause suffering. A snare is a wirenoose which is attached to a stake or heavy object that acts as an anchor.