Police warn public not to tamper with legal traps
Police are warning the public not to tamper with legal traps following a number of recent incidents in the strath.
Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer PC Daniel Sutherland recently visited keepers at Glendoe and Culachy estates near Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire, to learn about legal methods of protecting livestock and wild birds.
PC Sutherland’s visit follows a number of reports this year of legally set traps being damaged and/or disturbed including larsen traps, multi-catch crow traps, spring traps and snares.
Legally set traps allow farmers and game keepers to protect their game birds and livestock, such as lambs, during the spring and therefore deliberate damage can prove very costly. Land owners have reported damage by members of the public including ‘triggering’ a set trap, vandalising a cage trap or releasing a decoy birds.
Conditions for traps include the keeper or farmer checking the trap at least one a day, provide adequate suitable food, water and shelter with suitable perch if using a decoy bird.
All traps should have a tag displaying the owner’s trap number and the contact number for local Police or Wildlife Crime Officer.
During their meeting with PC Dan Sutherland, head keepers at Culachy and Glendoe Estate displayed examples of the different trap methods, discussed the different reasons for their use and the issues they have in relation to criminal damage.
PC Daniel Sutherland commented: "Police Scotland and partner agencies continue to work together to protect Scotland’s wildlife and promote the rural economy. Part of this involves advising keepers in legitimate methods of pest control to ensure livestock and game interests are protected.
"Releasing decoy birds, vandalising or triggering traps is an offence and potentially very damaging to a farmer or keeper’s livelihood. Incidents like these often go unreported so I’d encourage farmers and keepers to report any suspected tampering to Police as soon as possible. I’d also advise anyone with concerns about a set trap not to touch it but to contact Police on 101 to allow officers and partners to make enquiries."
Ian Wilson, NFU North Highland representative and Highland Partners Against Wildlife Crime chairman, commented: "The use of traps to aid control of vermin is an essential and legal practice, all users are reminded to use responsibly and check frequently as the law states. Other people are to be reminded that to interfere with these legally set traps is an offence and they will be open to prosecution if found to be damaging or interfering with traps."
