The use of snares is a cruel practice
Even if pets are not the ones targeted, the culprits cannot prevent them from ending up in snares. No living creature deserves to die in such an excruciating manner.
BARBERTON – From early on in history, snares have been the simplest and most effective of traps in catching wild animals. During those days, however, it was frequently used to fulfil specific and essential needs. It was either used for the gathering of food or for the fur of animals in order to make clothes. Today only people in very isolated locations still need to make use of snares.
In the progressive age we live, food and clothing are catered for around every corner with a wide variety of choices to suit everyone’s needs and preferences. Since last week, Barberton Times has received several complaints about snares being set up in our town, presumably to get rid of wild animals like monkeys pestering people. The problem is that domestic pets, as well as innocent wild animals are likely to end up in these wire contraptions and get injured or even die as a result.
Snares are illegal, especially if they do not have the typical “deer stop” which prevents it from closing all the way. Welfare organisations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, try their utmost to enforce stricter rules about the use of snares, and although they are making progress, there is still a long road ahead to educate the people responsible.
Statistics about snares and the damage they cause are not as clear in South Africa as it should be, but the Governmental Affairs Offices’ rules for hunting are very clear on this matter, and these regulations have already taken effect on February 1, 2008. The use of poison, traps, snares and spears are strictly forbidden and the sentence ends with, “No hunting with these!”
The suffering and pain, mostly resulting in death, is a cold-hearted and cruel act, no matter how supporters of traps argue that they are discerning about the animals caught.
Even if pets are not the ones targeted, the culprits cannot prevent them from ending up in snares. No living creature deserves to die in such an excruciating manner.
This newspaper has addressed this issue in an attempt to plead with those individuals setting up snares on their premises, to refrain from doing so with immediate effect. We urge residents, who are aware of anyone taking part in this cruel practice, to come forward with solid proof and not just accusations about these perpetrators. This will enable us to get in touch with the correct organisations to once and for all put an end to such cruel activities.
