Animal ‘alive and suffering’ after being caught in new ‘humane’ trap say anti-Grouse shooting group

A group which campaigns to protect wildlife on the grouse shooting moors of the Peak District has called on the Government to ban inhumane traps after an animal was pictured caught in one.
By Dan Hayes
Published 28th Feb 2021, 18:34 GMT
Updated 28th Feb 2021, 18:34 GMT
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A member of the Moorland Monitors Facebook group took the gruesome photo at Midhopestones near Stocksbridge on Saturday showing a stoat which has been caught and killed in a Tully trap.

The traps are meant to be a humane alternative to the Fenn traps which were outlawed last year, but campaigners say they are often just as cruel as those they have replaced.

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Group member Bob Berzins said the photo proved that the animal had suffered and that the new style traps were not as humane as had been claimed.

The animal had clearly been trying to get out of the trap, the campaigners said.The animal had clearly been trying to get out of the trap, the campaigners said.
The animal had clearly been trying to get out of the trap, the campaigners said.

He said: “It is supposed to kill the animal instantly but you can tell by its back leg that it was trying to get out.

“The fact that this animal was alive and suffering is itself strong evidence that the traps are not as humane as they are meant to be.

“I would question whether that is the kind of scene we want to be coming across in a National Park. These are animals people who use the Peak District want to see.”

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The traps are set legally under licence by gamekeepers to catch animals which might prey on young grouse birds or eggs.

The group said the image was not the sort of thing people wanted to see in a national park.The group said the image was not the sort of thing people wanted to see in a national park.
The group said the image was not the sort of thing people wanted to see in a national park.

As well as stoats, they are meant to catch weasels, rats and even foxes with other types of traps designed for birds such as crows or magpies.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

Related topics:GovernmentPeak District