Appeal for vigilance after fox caught in illegal snare

Animal welfare officers have called on the public to contact them if they think a snare has been set illegally after a fox in Midlothian had a lucky escape.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a fox was cut from a snare in the Midlothian area. (Photo: Scottish SPCA)

The Scottish SPCA was alerted after a member of the public found the fox trapped in a snare set on a fence, struggling to free itself.

Animal rescue officer Fiona Thorburn said: “The fox made a lucky escape, he wasn’t too badly injured thanks to a member of the public finding him while walking his dog.

“He’s been taken to our national wildlife centre in Fishcross to recover from his injuries and he’ll be released back into the wild once he’s fit and well again.”

An undercover inspector from the charity’s special investigations unit said: “We are looking to raise awareness about the dangers of these snares.

“In this case the fox has managed to avoid serious harm, but snares that are set in an illegal manner will tighten as the animal moves, so if they can’t get free it’s wholly possible for them to be strangled.

“There is strict legislation to adhere to when setting a snare in order for it to remain within the law and failure to comply with these conditions could result in an animal becoming injured or killed, and could constitute a criminal offence.

“If anyone does find a snare, we ask that you leave it untouched and to contact us if you believe it was set illegally.”