Law Live Catch Traps

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Cage-traps (Live Catch)

Cage-traps come in various sizes, depending on the target species. All are basically a box constructed of wire mesh with one or two open ends. The doors are triggered by a foot plate or hook from which a bait may be suspended.

* Cage traps can be used to take any animal which is not protected e. g.fox.

* Cage traps should be inspected at least once every day and target animals despatched quickly and humanely and the body disposed of responsibly e.g. by incineration or burial.

* Any non-target species must be released unharmed.

Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 Section 11 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 Article 12 , if any person uses a decoy, for the purpose of killing or taking any wild animal, any live mammal or bird whatever they shall be guilty of an offence.

Under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 and the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act 1972 Article 21, it is illegal to:

* mutilate, kick, beat, nail, impale, stab, burn, stone, crush, drag, drown or asphyxiate any wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering.

The Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 does not apply to lawful pest control or humane dispatch of injured mammals. Unlawful use may include trespassing or acting without the consent of the landowner.

Remember

Every effort must be made to avoid the capture of non-target species. Knowledge of the tracks, trails and signs of both target and non-target species is essential.

* We recommends that the entrance to tunnel traps should be restricted at both ends to prevent the capture of non-target species.

* Traps must be firmly anchored.

* The law requires traps to be inspected at least once every day. BASC recommends inspection at least twice a day and as soon after dawn as is practicable.

* The displaying of carcasses serves no useful purpose and may offend other countryside users. Carcasses should be either incinerated or deeply buried.

* Avoid setting traps on or near public footpaths, public rights of way, areas of common land used by persons exercising domestic animals, or in the vicinity of houses.

* Never set traps on land where livestock are grazing.

* Weil's disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection that is transmitted to humans by contact with urine from infected rats, the bacteria can get into your body through cuts and scratches. To prevent infection wear protective gloves when trapping.

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