B&Q Rat Trap is a Menace to Wildlife
The NASC has sent an open leter to the head man at B&Q calling for this rat trap to be withdrawn pending investigation.
The trap is catching birds following guidance that it can be set outdoors.
Ian Cheshire,
Chief Executive,
B&Q, Head Office,
Portswood House,
1 Hampshire Corporate Park,
Chandlers Ford,
Eastleigh,
Hampshire,
SO53 3YX
Dear Mr Cheshire,
I enclose some details of the B&Q Easy Set Rat Trap that are being sold nationwide in your stores. The traps only come with the advice that they are suitable for "inside and outdoors".
On Sunday morning at 7.00 am on October 28th, 2007, Mr .......... of Bradford , Devon, found a dead Moorhen in his garden with one of these traps attached to the poor bird’s leg. RSPCA and police were called and found several of these traps around a neighbour’s pond. The neighbour had simply followed B&Q’s instructions that the trap could be set outdoors; however, the neighbour received a formal police caution for a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1984.
Normally spring traps require approval and this approval would determine the setting conditions such as an artificial tunnel:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/vertebrates/approved-traps.htmUnder The Small Ground Vermin Traps Order 1958, certain types of spring traps are exempt from the requirement for approval. This includes 'spring traps known as break back traps and commonly used for the destruction of rats, mice and other small ground vermin'. It would be for the police and ultimately a court to determine whether or not a particular trap fell within the terms of this exemption and therefore whether any offence had been committed in respect of its use or sale. Of course under section 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended, it is an offence to use any trap to kill or take a wild bird, unless done under the terms and conditions of a licence.
I believe this trap poses a grave danger to birds and larger mammals when set outside, and it is highly irresponsible of you to sell it and recommend "outside use".
I do know that B&Q has a social responsibility department and takes matters like this seriously, so can you please remove this product from your shelves immediately pending advice from DEFRA and redesign of the advice on the packaging recommending "outside use"?
I await your response.
Yours sincerely,
Posted: 6.11.2007
