The RSPCA has launched an investigation after a dead badger was found caught in a cruel snare in Northumberland.
The mammal died after becoming trapped by a suspected self-locking snare, an illegal device that had become deeply embedded in his neck. RSPCA inspector Rachael Hurst was called to the village of Lucker on Monday, May 29 after a member of the public had found the badger attached to a wooden fence by the snare.
Badgers and their setts are protected by law in England and Wales and it’s an offence to injure, kill or take a badger - except under licence - or set a snare to catch one.