A jackdaw caught in an illegal springer trap in Lanarkshire suffered such "horrendous injuries" it had to be put to sleep to end its suffering.
The SSPCA has now appealed for information after the stricken bird was discovered in the village of Plains, near Airdrie, on May 18.
The animal welfare charity was alerted to the incident by a member of the public who discovered the live bird in the trap.
A SSPCA special investigations unit inspector, who cannot be named due to undercover operations, told Lanarkshire Live : “Sadly, the Jackdaw caught in the trap had sustained such horrendous injuries that they had to be put to sleep to end their suffering.
“The bird was caught in the trap by their left leg. A post mortem showed the leg had a severe open fracture and was partially amputated causing severe pain and suffering.
“The springer trap was illegally set and had deer legs scattered around it as bait, in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to attract wild birds.
“We are appealing to the local community to pass on any information relating to a person, or persons, illegally killing birds, particularly birds of prey.
“These traps are unlawful and indiscriminate and will cause unnecessary suffering to any bird or animal caught in them.
“If anyone knows who this device might belong to then we would urge them to phone our animal helpline immediately on 03000 999 999. All calls can be treated confidentially.
“Equally, if anyone spots an illegal trap such as this, or a trap or snare they suspect is illegal, please don’t hesitate to contact us.”
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