Fenn traps

[Neil Simms]

Came across this spring trap recently which is part of the arsenal of methods used to control 'vermin' such as rats, stoats and weasels in the local area. I've walked past this particular trap eight times in the last six months and the only things observed having been caught have been robin and song thrush. Latter has now been removed and it's re-set and ready to go again.
All perfectly legal as I understand it too

[Keith Ryan]

It may be legal, but it's also inhuman, anything caught in that is going to suffer dreadfully.

[Damian]

Possibly illegally set as the wire surrounding the trap is not small enough to exclude non target animals ?

[ADAM PHILLIPS]

Hello
The trap should be set so it is enclosed or covered so birds cannot get to it.
You should not be able to see the trap. Birds will not go into it if it is set in a tunnel.
That trap is illegal as it is not covered.
Whoever is using it is not very bright as the first time they caught a bird in it should tell them they are doing it wrong.
Adam

[Neil Simms]

Agree with your last comment re catching a non target species i.e. a bird. As I understand it, an offence is committed if the operator intentionally or recklessly kills or injures a protected non target species. The rest of the legislation is equally vague. A solid or mesh cover is acceptable but the entrance should be restricted. It doesn't specify any sizes. In the case of the photos the entrance has actually been widened, but of all the ones I have seen they all opened up in the same way.

[Keith Ryan]

I would have destroyed it, legal or otherwise.

[peregrine]

Well said Keith, any I come across also get destroyed.