AN animal welfare charity has launched an investigation after the remains of a deer were found in a homemade snare.
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the skeleton of a deer was found last week at the former Ravenscraig steelworks site in Motherwell, Lanarkshire.
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: "This poor deer suffered a horrendous death as a result of this homemade and illegal snare.
"Thick wire had been attached to a tree with a loop on the end which was positioned at the deer's head height.
"The deer would have walked straight into it, becoming instantly trapped, and the wire would have choked it to death."
Mr Flynn said the deer could have been caught a number of weeks ago but with only the skeleton to go by, investigators could not be certain.
He added: "We would advise anyone visiting this area to be extremely vigilant, particularly if they are walking their dog.
"While snaring continues, suffering will continue. That's why the Scottish SPCA is in favour of an outright ban.
"We are urging members of the public with information about this incident or other illegal snaring to contact us. Calls are treated in the strictest confidence."
Anyone with information should contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 or Strathclyde Police on 0141 532 2000.
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