An observant hiker discovered a strange trap in a Braunau forest. He warned animal rights activists, and they were shocked: live pigeons were being used as bait. Investigations are now being conducted. However, a legal exception is even possible for the catch construction.
“It’s actually just incredible. You can imagine how scared the animals are there. They can’t move, and then the deadly enemy is right above them!” Tom Putzgruber, chairman of the RespekTiere association, is shocked. An observant hiker called animal rights activists because he discovered a trap in a forest in the Braunau district that seemed strange to him. Putzgruber then found a second one at the scene – both had pigeons inside, used as live bait.
The net clicks shut
In one of them, the animal rights activist suspects a trap for birds of prey, such as hawks. The pigeon is sitting in it on the ground (see photo above). When a bird of prey lands on the grille above her, a net stretched all around closes and captures the robber alive. According to Putzgruber, larger four-legged animals such as foxes or martens should fall for the second trap, also with pigeons as bait.
What is clearly cruel and illegal for animal rights activists is now also a concern for investigators: “We have received a report under section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act and have ordered an investigation,” confirms Braunau district head Gerald Kronberger when asked.
“Like a buffet for the hawk”
The police will now investigate whether and which of the two traps should be classified as animal abuse. A bird of prey trap with live bait is legal in exceptional cases, says Christopher Böck, director of the state hunting association. Namely when authorities have approved the forced shooting of hawks to protect agriculture.
Because: “Free-range chicken farming is a kind of buffet for the hawk, because the chickens are exhibited there,” says Böck. To grant such a shooting permit, less stringent measures, such as tightening cords to repel birds of prey, would have to have been tried in advance.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
