Warning after joggers caught in hunt snares

Joggers and ramblers are being urged to be vigilant after people were caught in vicious wire snares while enjoying the Peak District, according to a recent investigation.
Joggers caught out by animal snares (such as the ones pictured here in the Peak DistrictJoggers caught out by animal snares (such as the ones pictured here in the Peak District
Joggers caught out by animal snares (such as the ones pictured here in the Peak District

The League Against Cruel Sports claim that two runners have been injured by the snares – wire nooses intended to catch foxes – this year, with three other people, including an elderly woman, injured over the last five years.

Chris Pitt, of the League, said: “Even on a brief visit to areas of the Peak District in Derbyshire, our investigators found dozens of snares set on open access ground, which would pose a danger to members of the public.

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“Snares are mainly used on shooting estates where gamekeepers kill predators to maximise the number of birds available for paying shooters to kill. So any estates in Derbyshire where shooting takes place are likely to have snares around them.”

Joe Duckworth, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, which is calling for snares to be banned in the UK, urged people visiting the area to be very careful about where they tread – and to keep an eye on their dogs.

Bob Berzins, who represents the Dark Peak Fell Runners of which the most recent victims are members, said: “Both runners reported crashing to the ground and having trouble removing the snare which was tightly around the ankle. There was no visible warning around the snares.

“One runner described a gash on both sides of the ankle, with blood coming through and continuing to bleed the next day.”