Gin traps - horrible, mechanical devices, designed to grasp an
animal by the leg using spring-operated jaws. In their
desperation to escape the pain and the terror of being
trapped, the captured animal will sometimes bite off the limb
that has been caught. Their use has been illegal in the UK
since 1958 and is banned in 90 other countries around the
world.
Unfortunately, in South Africa it is still legal to use these
vicious traps. Some of our South African colleagues have
asked if we can support their calls on the South African
government to ban gin traps and other leg-hold devices.
South African livestock farmers use gin traps to capture
predators such as leopards, black-backed jackals and a small
lynx called a caracal. Lions are not on this list as they have
virtually been exterminated from most farm-animal rearing
areas. And it appears, in certain areas of South Africa, the
leopard may be going the same way.
As with all snares, gin traps are indiscriminate, so not just
intended victims are caught. Of the literally tens of
thousands of animals that die in them each year, most are
accidental catches such as antelope, giraffe and birds
the gin-trap battle has been fought and won in
other countries, and it is certainly a battle worth taking on.
info@bornfree.org.uk
We wish for a total ban on the use of gin
traps is called for, rather than the regulation of their use.
and belive a change in animal management techniques can be
more cost effective and certainly more humane.
The Landmark Foundation in South Africa has carried out
extensive research in this area, with Rhodes University, and
now Oxford University, UK. This research demonstrates how
dramatically more effective improved livestock management
methods can be, both in protecting livestock and preventing
losses of predators. Additionally, they have shown how much
more humane this is for wild animals, which are increasingly
losing their wild habitats to livestock farming.
Some of these methods included
Livestock guarding using herders, shepherds and
specially-trained dogs. Livestock guarding animals that are protective of others that consider part of their herd, such as alpacas, donkeys,
ostriches, zebra and black wildebeest. Perhaps surprisingly,
these species can be extremely assertive and forceful.
Kraaling (enclosures) and fencing, if used properly, are very
effective against predators.
Kraaling sheep and young lambs during and just after
lambing.
Special collars on guarding animals/herd leaders that give
off alarms or are connected to mobile phone technology.
We do wish that better humane livestock mangement practises are carried out, for in the near future.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
