05-08-2014, 08:29 AM
The use of Larsen traps is controversial. They were first invented in Denmark, and now have been outlawed there as being unnecessarily cruel.
In the UK in many country areas they are often used, and people who condone their use, look on what they are doing as 'pest control'. To them it's like setting a mouse trap or putting down rat poison (neither of which are particularly humane either!) But that's how they view it. And their awareness of any cruelty involved....well they turn a blind eye to it, or have switched off their empathy.
I have not yet met one person who lives in my area who disagrees with the use of Larsen traps. I am obviously living on a different planet to them....
They think I am naive, have 'no idea what country life is about', don't understand ecology, wilfully damage property....etc
The more friendly ones think I am too soft.
The first time I ever found one of these traps, many years ago, I broke the thing into smithereens with an axe, after setting 2 bloodied birds free. I called the RSPCA. They told me the traps are legal, so long as food and water is provided for the trapped bird. And that damaging the traps is illegal. (I didn't give them my name or location as I had Misty to think about -now I wouldn't care.)
The one thing a trapped bird is NOT interested in is the food and grain provided. They are panicked and endure that for hours, usually sustaining injury to their wings, faces, and upper beak. Some die. They are put there to encourage other Corvids (Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies) to descend into the opposite side of the tiny cage
In the UK in many country areas they are often used, and people who condone their use, look on what they are doing as 'pest control'. To them it's like setting a mouse trap or putting down rat poison (neither of which are particularly humane either!) But that's how they view it. And their awareness of any cruelty involved....well they turn a blind eye to it, or have switched off their empathy.
I have not yet met one person who lives in my area who disagrees with the use of Larsen traps. I am obviously living on a different planet to them....
They think I am naive, have 'no idea what country life is about', don't understand ecology, wilfully damage property....etc
The more friendly ones think I am too soft.
The first time I ever found one of these traps, many years ago, I broke the thing into smithereens with an axe, after setting 2 bloodied birds free. I called the RSPCA. They told me the traps are legal, so long as food and water is provided for the trapped bird. And that damaging the traps is illegal. (I didn't give them my name or location as I had Misty to think about -now I wouldn't care.)
The one thing a trapped bird is NOT interested in is the food and grain provided. They are panicked and endure that for hours, usually sustaining injury to their wings, faces, and upper beak. Some die. They are put there to encourage other Corvids (Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies) to descend into the opposite side of the tiny cage
