MANY readers will have been upset by the recent story of the cat killed in a snare trap (Shuttle/Times & News, March 3).

Most inhumane animal snares and traps became illegal before the mid-1980s, but one was allowed to remain - the 'free-running snare' - so-called because the noose does not lock into place as it tightens.

It consists of a single length of smooth (not barbed) wire formed into a loop that can be made larger or smaller at will, attached at one end to a stake in the ground.

Any other formation is illegal and should be reported to the police and the RSPCA, and preferably (having been disabled) left where found for evidence purposes.

These snares are most commonly laid to trap rabbits and foxes, and regulations govern their use (for example, the snare must be inspected at least once a day and it must not be placed on tracks known to be used by badgers.)

Unfortunately, these snares are indiscriminate in what they trap and all kinds of animals, both wild and domestic, have been killed or injured by them - badgers, cats, dogs and even deer.

In the 1990s the West Sussex Badger Group had a spate of badgers horrifically injured by these snares, and as badgers are often strong enough to pull the anchoring stake out of the ground, many had been 'wearing' the snare for weeks, causing dreadful suffering. The group started a petition, which has since presented over 100,000 signatures to Parliament.

The Anti-Snaring Campaign, as it has now become, is supported by many organisations, including the RSPCA, who want to see this snare banned. If any readers wish to put their name to the petition, they can access the website at www.anti-snaring.org.uk and sign online, or download a petition form and get others to sign.

Alternatively, they can write to: The National Anti-Snaring Campaign, PO Box 3058, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN16 3LG to ask for a form or further information.

MRS G EDWARDS

Stanklyn Lane, Kidderminster