The RSPCA has released shocking photos highlighting the barbarity of snare traps after a badger was found in excruciating pain.
The badger was found this morning (September 22) on Tuttles Lane East in Wymondham, dragging a snare trap that caused a severe wound.
A snare is a wire noose which is attached to a stake or heavy object that acts as an anchor.
Inspector Emily Astillberry, who took the call, said: 'Sadly it's not the first time I've seen a beautiful wild animal caught up in a terrible trap like this, so I knew I needed to act quickly because the badger would be suffering immensely.
'The caller had stayed with the badger after finding her at the side of the road and a vet came out straight away to help.'
She added: 'It breaks my heart to see animals like this suffer so much, and so needlessly. It's possible she had been suffering like this for up to 48 hours, dragging the snare along with her. These wire traps can be made quite easily by people but they cause unthinkable suffering to animals.'
The badger was so badly injured it had to be put to sleep to end the suffering.
Under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, it is an offence (except under licence) to kill, injure or take a badger, to cruelly treat a badger or to interfere with a badger sett.
Anyone with information about how this badger came to be injured can call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
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