Police are appealing for information after cruel wire snares were found in an East Lothian park where pets and children regularly play.
East Lothian Police said: "Local police have recently become aware of a number of wire snares being illegally set in Wallyford Park, Wallyford, East Lothian.
"They would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public that all snares must carry a unique identification tag, which is obtained by accredited snare operators registering with Police Scotland. Only accredited operators can legally set snares."
"Any person setting a snare without an ID tag or without having successfully completed the appropriate training is guilty of an offence.
"Police Scotland will take robust action against any persons found to be illegally setting snares or committing other offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981."
Snares are anchored cable or wire nooses set to catch wild animals such as squirrels and rabbits. A snare traps an animal around the neck or the body and tightens, either killing the animal or capturing it until the trapper returns.
Snares are widely criticised by animal welfare groups for their cruelty. A 2005 report showed that over 40% of animals caught in some environments were not the ones intended to be caught.
Police are urging anyone with information regarding this matter to contact 101 and quote incident number 2673 of 02/07/20 or you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
