An appeal has been launched after a crow was found caught in a “barbaric” illegal trap at a park in Midlothian.
The Scottish SPCA was alerted by a local resident who managed to free the bird by removing the trap from its leg at Easterhouses Park on April 25.
A special investigations unit chief inspector from the animal welfare charity said: “The crow flew off but undoubtedly would have sustained serious injury and is likely to have suffered a slow and painful death.
“The pole trap is usually designed to catch birds of prey and is illegal to use and possess for use in the UK.
‘They are primitive, barbaric traps that have no place in modern society.’
Scottish SPCA
“They are primitive, barbaric traps that have no place in modern society.
“These traps are unlawful and indiscriminate and will cause unnecessary suffering to any bird or animal caught in them.”
The SPCA are appealing to the local community to pass on any information relating to a person, or persons, illegally killing birds, particularly birds of prey and urges them to phone the animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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