Bird of prey starved To death after being trapped
Posted: 28 August 2006 - Northumberland Echo
A rare bird starved to death after it was caught in a trap set for pests. Police believe the goshawk died because someone closed the gate on the trap, which is usually used by gamekeepers to snare crows, rooks and magpies, which harm wildlife such as grouse.
PC Andy Marsden, wildlife crime officer for Rydale, in North Yorkshire, said the traps were humane and legal, as long as food and water were provided and birds caught in them were released elsewhere.
'The gamekeepers say they left the doors pinned back, in line with the rules, but a member of the public must have closed the door on the trap,' said PC Marsden.
No charges are to be brought following a joint investigation by North Yorkshire Police and the RSPCA."
ACT's View:
This news report highlights the danger of Corvid traps for Raptors. It however falsely gives the impression that birds are released from these traps. PC Marsden's claim that an unknown person "must have closed the door on the trap" does appear somewhat far fetched to put it politely.
PC Marsden however does believe that there needs to be tighter rules on the management of traps when not in use are needed. Hopefully he will be keeping a very close watch on this gamekeeper in future.
