|
The distribution of a trap that strangles animals to death has been stopped thanks to ICABS action. The Nooski trap, confirmed this week as being illegal by Minister John Gormley, was originally brought to the attention of the National Parks and Wildlife Service by ICABS after we identified a number of companies offering it for sale here.
The mouse and squirrel trap kills its victims by a method of strangulation - the animal enters a tunnel, pushes past a trigger and causes a small rubber ring to be released onto its neck or chest. It is then thrown from the trap and dies a few feet away with the ring still in place around its body.
Responding to a Dail Question from Deputy Finian McGrath, TD (Independent, Dublin North Central), Minister John Gormley confirmed that the Nooski trap is illegal.
"The use of traps, snares and nets in relation to wildlife is governed by the Wildlife Act, 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003," Minister Gormley stated. "The 'Nooski Animal Trap' does not meet the requirements set by these regulations and is, therefore, illegal. Staff from my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service are currently in contact with the supplier of these traps in order to stop their introduction into the country."
Among the regulation requirements are that such traps must result in the "immediate death" or the "immediate unconsciousness and subsequent death without intervening consciousness" of an animal.
The possession of, and offering for sale of, unapproved traps and snares is contrary to Section 34(6) of the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended by Section 42 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. If you are aware of the sale or possession of unlawful traps or snares, please Email ICABS immediately.
With the trap's rubber band around its body, the mouse gasps for breath
The doomed creature frantically struggles to break free of the rubber band
The mouse falls to its side and continues struggling
The green rubber band strangles the mouse to death
| Illegal: the Nooski animal trap. If you are aware of anyone possessing or offering this trap for sale in the Republic of Ireland, please immediately Email ICABS. |
Video: Nooski trap victim
As this disturbing video shows, death for creatures caught in the cruel Nooski trap is not immediate.
Parliamentary Questions and Answers
Question 474 - Answered on 6th June, 2012
Maureen O'Sullivan, TD: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the National Parks and Wildlife Service will confiscate and destroy thousands of unlawful Nooski traps recently found to be in possession of a person (details supplied) in County Cork which are unlawful under Section 34(6) of the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended by Section 42 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000; if confiscation and destruction of such traps will be carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service instead of placing the onus on the UK supplier to recover them; if he will address the supplying of such traps here and the facilitation of their sale in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Ref No: 27135/12
REPLY
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Mr. Jimmy Deenihan, T.D.): The use of traps, snares and nets in relation to wildlife is governed by the Wildlife Act 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003. The “Nooski Animal Trap” referred to by the Deputy does not meet the requirements set by these Regulations and is, therefore, illegal. Officials of my Department understand that the traps in question have been returned to the UK distributer.
Question 360 - Answered on 12 May 2009
Finian McGrath:
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an animal trap (details supplied) is unlawful here under the Wildlife Act 1976 and the action he and the National Parks and Wildlife Service are taking against distributors of this trap.
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr Gormley):
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr Gormley): The use of traps, snares and nets in relation to wildlife is governed by the Wildlife Act, 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003. The "Nooski Animal Trap" does not meet the requirements set by these regulations and is, therefore, illegal.
Staff from my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service are currently in contact with the supplier of these traps in order to stop their introduction into the country.
View more Parliamentary Questions
Make a donation to ICABS
Please consider making a donation to ICABS. For more details, please click on the button below or
follow this link to find out how to become a campaign supporter. Thank you.
