chrismahon
Well-known member
We intended to go on a long walk today, before the showers set in. We didn't get very far though because we came across a large Alsation Cross seemingly guarding the pathway by some fishing ponds. On closer inspection I noticed what initially looked like a tin can by its back foot. Even closer inspection, but still 6 feet away, it became apparent that it was some sort of snare or trap.
Keeping our distance, because injured dogs can be very dangerous and they have rabies over here, I could see the trap teeth clamped around its back leg. The type of trap has been completely illegal in the UK for the last 20 years at least and now illegal over here now apparently. A big trap with jaws 6" across, so 12" wide when set. Impossible to restrain the dog and remove the trap with just two of us and I am unfamiliar with that kind of trap and couldn't work out how it would release, even if I was strong enough to do it.
We returned home and told the neighbour. They have three dogs. This dog had a bell around its neck which means it is a Chasse dog, part of the local hunt. The neighbours couldn't do anything either so they went to the local farmer who came over. The dog was restrained by putting his muzzle into a coat sleeve, another holding the dog down, with the farmer struggling to release the trap, even though he knew how they worked. The dog was finally released and should then return home (with a limp) to wherever that is.
Bit worrying that that sort of trap is being employed illegally around here. Now means that we can't walk through the forest along the wildlife pathways because that's where the traps will be set. Big enough to break your ankle, especially as you fall over with the trap being wired to the ground. So walks here are now rather limited on a permanent basis. A warning to anyone on holiday here -stick to the footpaths.
Keeping our distance, because injured dogs can be very dangerous and they have rabies over here, I could see the trap teeth clamped around its back leg. The type of trap has been completely illegal in the UK for the last 20 years at least and now illegal over here now apparently. A big trap with jaws 6" across, so 12" wide when set. Impossible to restrain the dog and remove the trap with just two of us and I am unfamiliar with that kind of trap and couldn't work out how it would release, even if I was strong enough to do it.
We returned home and told the neighbour. They have three dogs. This dog had a bell around its neck which means it is a Chasse dog, part of the local hunt. The neighbours couldn't do anything either so they went to the local farmer who came over. The dog was restrained by putting his muzzle into a coat sleeve, another holding the dog down, with the farmer struggling to release the trap, even though he knew how they worked. The dog was finally released and should then return home (with a limp) to wherever that is.
Bit worrying that that sort of trap is being employed illegally around here. Now means that we can't walk through the forest along the wildlife pathways because that's where the traps will be set. Big enough to break your ankle, especially as you fall over with the trap being wired to the ground. So walks here are now rather limited on a permanent basis. A warning to anyone on holiday here -stick to the footpaths.
