Trapping

Trapping:

Trapping of nonhuman animals is widespread on every acre of land in Ireland. Generally, trapping occurs where something or someone is being “protected” (“game” birds, or crops) or there is a government license involved (badger traps).

Foxes:

They are trapped using a “folding” box trap which essentially cages them to be murdered later—also trapped with snares which are pieces of wire intended to catch them by their limbs. Snares are not a “targeted trap” and are known to catch legally protected nonhuman animals (badgers, otters). A poison-laced nonhuman corpse used as bait is also very common, and which is illegal.

Corvids (crow family):

They are trapped using ladder and larsen traps. Both traps are “decoy bird” traps intend to lure these social beings into a trap by using another of their kin. Once trapped, they will be left for days and when found their neck will be broken. Widespread use in Ireland. Ladder traps will hold a lot more birds but are more expensive.

Badgers:

The same cage as fox box trap however sometimes larger. They are trapped by “government officials” to be murdered for “cull” (euphemism for kill) purposes which is still occurring in Ireland. Badger killing in the name of TB prevention is a non-argument, and here are the facts from the Irish Wildlife Trust.

Minks:

They are trapped using a similar trap to foxes and badgers, which will be set along waterways where they live—known to catch otters or pine martens (both illegal to catch). They are generally trapped to protect “game” bird pens and eggs so that they can be shot or bred for profit.

Raptors:

Illegal to be trapped without a specific license; however, it still occurs. The use of poison is expected, with a high occurrence around/near shooting operations and hunting areas.