Police probe after animals snared
Outrage after Pet dog and roe deer caught in illegal traps on estate
near Buckie
By Sarah Rollo
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/607770?UserKey=0
Published: 25/04/2008
Police are investigating after a pet dog and a roe deer were trapped
in illegal snares on a Moray estate.
The dog was freed uninjured, but the deer could not be saved and had
to be destroyed.
Community leaders united in their condemnation of those responsible
for setting the traps in the Buckie area.
Seafield Estate re****ted the matter to the police and said it had no
knowledge of who set the snares or why.
It said it followed a strict policy on the use of such devices for
vermin and pest control.
Chief executive Sandy Lewis said: “Estates are often blamed
indiscriminately for wildlife crime, an issue that we take extremely
seriously.
“The illegal setting of snares on estate ground may be poaching which
is illegal, or may be an attempt to discredit the estate.
“Either way, we are alerted to the situation and have re****ted the
matter to the police.”
Mr Lewis urged anyone who saw anything suspicious not to interfere
with it but to contact the estate office on 01542 840777 or the police
or Crimestoppers.
Councillors Gordon McDonald and Anne McKay, who represent Buckie, said
they could not believe such a despicable crime was taking place near
the Moray town.
Councillor McDonald said the unlawful use of snares was inhumane and
represented a risk to people out walking their dogs.
“That is the last thing you expect to happen, your pet getting
snared,” he said.
Councillor McKay described the situation as horrific, and said the
devices would bring unthinkable pain and misery to trapped animals.
Snares can be used lawfully for targeted pest control, but there are
strict conditions for their use. Police have confirmed that these
devices were not connected with any legal pest control on the site,
which lies to the landward area of Buckie.
It is likely the snares were being set to catch deer. Constable Ian
Dormand said: “The incidents have been re****ted by concerned land
managers following a pet dog and a roe deer being found trapped in the
illegal snares. The dog was unharmed but unfortunately the deer had to
be shot.”
The estate is working closely with the force as investigations
continue.
Constable Dormand said: “The illegal use of the snares and the effects
they have had are very concerning. The landowners and police will be
monitoring the area closely and we will be working with the Grampian
Wildlife Crime unit to tackle the problem.”
Anyone who lives or exercises their dog in the area is asked to be
vigilant and to re****t suspicious activity or lights in the woodland
areas at night. Information should be given to police on 0845 600 5700
or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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