Killing Methods
Introduction - There are many ways in which badgers have been killed, either with the Government's backing, such as trapping and gassing (in the past), or through illegal action taken by farmers and land owners, such as poisoning, drowning badgers by pouring slurry down the setts, gassing them with exhaust fumes and illegal snaring. Some of these are outlined below.
Gassing - From 1975 to 1980 badgers were routinely gassed by MAFF operatives poisoning their setts with carbon monoxide. In 1980, due to public opposition to the cruelty of gassing and a widespread disbelief that badgers were not accountable for the spread of TB, Lord Zuckermann was asked to review the situation. He determined that culling should continue, though, as gassing was deemed to be inhumane, the new preferred option became cage trapping and shooting. There have, however, been suggestions that gassing trials have been carried out by DEFRA since the completion of the RBCT.
Trapping and Shooting - The vast majority of UK Government funded badger slaughter since 1980 has been through trapping badgers in wire cages and then shooting them. Traps are positioned around setts and along badger runs, baited and left overnight. In the morning, armed DEFRA operatives return to shoot any badgers trapped during the night. There are supposed to be strict welfare guidelines on the positioning of traps, but badgers have been found trapped in areas at risk of flooding due to their proximity to rivers and streams.
Snares -
Snares have also been used for short periods (in trials) by DEFRA and the Republic of Ireland use cruel snares as a means of culling badgers. Although the UK don't use snares as they were considered too cruel and have been replaced by the trapping and shooting method outlined above. Snares are hugely indiscriminate, in that many non-target species are also caught. Snares frequently trap animals around the head, neck or limbs and can cause traumatic injuries while the animal struggles to free themselves.
Legal snares are required by law to be checked at least every 24 hours, although decomposed carcasses have frequently been found, showing that this regulation is often not adhered to.
Body snares - Specially designed badger body snares have more recently been experimented with by DEFRA in secret trials in Gloucestershire. They are intended to be non-lethal and to allow the captured animal to be released back into the wild. Trials on captive badgers have allowed the animals to be restrained for up to 8 hours whilst under supervision, before being anaesthetised and examined for signs of physical injury. No consideration has been given for psychological damage or stress that may have occurred.
Illegal killing - Badgers have continually been victimised by farmers and landowners who take matters into their own hands. Various methods have been used to kill badgers from blocking in sett entrances and pouring slurry down them and gassing them with exhaust fumes to shooting and poisoning. Many badger carcasses are disposed of at the sides of roads to make them look like road traffic causalities since killing badgers is illegal.
It is important to always be vigilant whilst in the countryside. Investigate anything unusual and photograph and report any signs of illegal killing, along with its exact location. If you find an animal caught in a trap or snare immediately call the RSPCA on their 24-hour cruelty and advice line: 0300 1234 999. If the animal is a badger, alive or dead, then also call the Badger Trust on 0207 228 6444. For more information about how to recognise traps and snares see the gallery and links page for websites with more information.
Please tell us if you know of any animal snares or traps being set. All information is confidential, contact us with information. |