Dalry: Police launch investigation after otter killed in illegal crayfish trap

An adult otter has been found dead after being caught in an illegal crayfish trap.

The animal was found by a fisherman in the Water of Ken near St John’s Town of Dalry on Friday, October 2 at around 8.15pm.

It had been caught in a Fyke net, which police say had been illegally set to catch crayfish in the river.

PC John Cowan, Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer, said: “The setting of any unlicensed crayfish trap in Scotland is strictly illegal and irresponsible. As we’ve seen in this sad case, it also puts other local wildlife at risk.

“These nets are not designed in a manner to stop other animals from entering, becoming trapped and drowning. This is not the first time that a local otter has died in such a way.

“We are appealing for anyone with information on the net to come forward and contact police on 101, quoting incident 3426 of 2nd October.”

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