A buzzard was killed after landing on a illegal pole trap in a field near Lincoln.
The buzzard was found on Wednesday by a member of the public in the field at the side of the A57, between Lincoln and Saxilby.
One of the bird’s legs had been sliced off and the other leg had “horrendous” injuries. It died shortly after was discovered.
Wildlife crime officer PC Nick Willey said the incident was pretty sickening.
“We believe that whoever has done this is using pole traps. These are basic vermin traps that are attached to tall poles in the ground. The bird’s natural perching instinct leads it to land directly on top of them. The trap snaps shut and often severs the legs.
“The vermin traps themselves are perfectly legal but when they are converted into pole traps in this way they become illegal.
“The motive here is not to trap, it’s to kill.”
It is an offence Under Section 1 of the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act to kill, injure or take any wild bird.
Magistrates can dish out fines of up to £5,000 and jail terms of up to six months for anyone convicted of these crimes.
Anyone with any information can call PC Nick Willey with incident number 80 of January 19 at Saxilby Police Station on (01522) 805746.
Source: Lincolnshire Echo
