The RSPCA has issued a warning about the use of traps after a dead fox was found caught in one in South London.
A member of the public discovered the decomposing body of the fox caught by a spring trap at Henry Doulton Drive in Tooting, while another fox was spotted fleeing the location with a trap attached to its paw last Sunday afternoon (April 27).
While spring traps are permitted for rodent control, they should not be set in such a way as non-target animals are caught up in them.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Yalina Blumer, who is investigating the incident, says it is unclear whether the traps are being set at the location or whether the foxes may have travelled from nearby. But she is appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch with the animal charity.
“Spring traps are cruel and barbaric and this poor fox died a horrific death. This is a trap which might have been used and intended for rodents, but it hasn’t been used correctly and this poor creature has died an agonising death,” said Yalina.
“These traps are totally indiscriminate in nature and victims can be wildlife or family pets. They can be approved for specific uses like rodent control, but they must be used in accordance with guidelines, and so that non-target animals aren’t trapped in them.
“Larger animals, like this fox who was trapped by the legs, can endure a painful death as a result of these traps. Whatever the animal, these devices cause a great deal of suffering, and we are extremely concerned that someone may have been setting them in a residential area.”
The RSPCA is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all traps which cause suffering. Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal faces an unlimited fine and/or five years in prison.
Spring traps themselves are not illegal, but under section 8 of the Pests Act 1954, it is an offence to use or knowingly permit the use of any spring trap to kill or take animals other than approved species, or in circumstances for which they are not approved.
The RSPCA’s advice is that they should be covered and placed at a position where it is unlikely to impact on other animals. There is more information about rodents and foxes, including humane deterrent methods, at the RSPCA website
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to ring the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01498375.
