The Scottish SPCA has launched a special investigation after two animals were caught in illegal snares and traps in North Lanarkshire this month. 

Two badgers are thought to have suffered "unimaginable" suffering after being caught in illegal snares on a fence line. 

One of the animals had been dead for more than two months in Airdrie, while the other had been found in a snare set up in Motherwell. 

Snares on a fence line are unlawful due to a risk of the animal trapped being wholly or partially suspended which can lead to severe unnecessary suffering.

Glasgow Times:

They also did not have identifications tag, which is legally required on such devices. 

The snare in Motherwell was made out of nylon which is an illegal material for use in snares.

Between 2018 and 2019, the Scottish SPCA has health with almost 60 incidents of animals being caught in snares and traps. 

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Scottish SPCA special investigations inspector, who cannot be named due to undercover operations, said: “Snare and trap operators must check on the device every 24-hours and this was not the case in these incidents.

“These animals were caused unimaginable physical and mental anguish being caught in these traps. The creatures will have experienced slow and agonising deaths. The level of suffering they would have felt is unimaginable.

“The badger in Airdrie had been dead for two or three months and in Motherwell, the animal had been deceased for over 24 hours.

“The badgers must have passed under the fence and become caught in the snare. One under its front legs and the other around its neck. Both animals must have panicked and this caused the snare to constrict them further and further."

Inspectors for the charity have been working with the police to locate those responsible. 

The inspector added: "Snares and traps are indiscriminate and domestic animals such as dogs and cats can also be caught in them.

"It is illegal for anyone to tamper with a legally set snare or trap so we would ask the public not to attempt this. If someone suspects a device is set illegally then they should contact us immediately.

"We’ve been working closely with our partners at Police Scotland on these wildlife crimes and both agencies are keen to find those responsible.

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“If anyone has any information on whoever may have set these snares or traps or if anyone finds what they believe to be an illegal item, we would urge them to phone our animal helpline immediately on 03000 999 999. All calls can be treated confidentially.”

Scotland’s animal welfare charity supports an outright ban on all snares due to the level of suffering an animal is caused.

A hare was also found in an outdated illegal trap in the Pentland hills.