Gamekeeper facing charges after fox dies stuck in unchecked snare

An Angus gamekeeper will face charges relating to the death of wild animals next month.

William Curr from Glen Trusta is expected to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court to face allegations that he set or failed to check free-running snares which trapped a deer and fox which died of dehydration on the Glenogil Estate last year.

All charges relate to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which prohibits certain methods of killing or taking wild animals.

The wire in free-running snares are supposed to slacken off if the animal stops struggling, but the mechanism must be checked at intervals of no more than 24 hours.

It is alleged Curr set or failed to check the mechanism on snares in two incidents.

The deer in the first incident is understood to have been killed.

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