Ban traps to end the pain inflicted on our animals

Award-winning environmental journalist

- NADA FARHOUD

THE government has been urged to ban “cruel wire traps” as more than 200,000 lie hidden in the English countryside, warn campaigners, causing “immense suffering and pain” to wildlife and pets.

Snares are typically set to catch foxes or rabbits, but often trap unintended victims such as cats, dogs, badgers and even otters.

The League Against Cruel Sports, which is campaigning for a ban in England after one was introduced in Scotland and Wales, urged Labour MPs meeting last week for their annual conference in Liverpool to deliver on its manifesto commitment.

The group said the traps are used primarily by the shooting industry to kill wildlife on and around game bird shoots to maintain stocks of grouse, nonnative pheasants and red-legged partridges simply so they can be shot.