Pet cats have been found dead in animal traps designed to snare wild animals in Angus.
Three carcases were discovered among piles of remains known as ‘stink pits’ in the Nathro area. Field investigators working for animal protection charity OneKind made the grim discovery at two separate traps, around a mile apart.
They found a black cat and two tabbies, one with neck injuries consistent with snaring, according to the charity. The thin wire nooses are often set next to rotting animal corpses which lure wildlife such as foxes and rabbits.
However, badgers, otters and domestic cats and dogs can often be caught.
OneKind policy director Libby Anderson warned pet owners in Angus to be “extra vigilant”.
“The image of someone’s much loved cat simply discarded like a piece of rubbish in this way is hugely distressing but sadly this shows the grim reality of what goes on in our countryside, all under the banner of ‘wildlife management’,” she said.
The Angus glens are a popular destination for people hunting game birds, such as grouse and partridges. Snares are used at some sporting estates to protect these ground-nesting fowl from foxes, rabbits and brown hares.
The animal traps are not illegal in Scotland but OneKind has long campaigned for a ban.
Libby Anderson added: “There is a lot of confusion around animal welfare legislation and its enforcement, particularly when some cruel uses of animals, as illustrated by the Angus finds, remain legal.”
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn also called for an outright ban.
He said: “No amount of regulation will prevent non-target species such as wildlife and domestic pets from being caught and injured or killed in snares.
“Members of the public should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 if they have any information about illegal snaring activity or if they see a snare and have any suspicions as to whether it is legally set.”
The Courier also contacted Tayside’s wildlife and environment officer, Constable Blair Wilkie, but she was unable to comment.
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland explained: “She is not in a position to answer any of your inquiries at the minute due to work commitments.”