Trap morality

While walking in East Lothian on recently I came across two stoats killed by traps “set” for American mink. I have walked here for many years and I have never encountered a trapped mink.

One wonders if the grouse managers care whether native mammals are killed so long as there is an overall decline in grouse chick predators. I have reported the matter to East Lothian Council, with as yet no reply.

I am hoping that somewhere, someone is keeping statistics on the ratio of alien to indigenous predators killed in these traps and will at some point decide on whether the costs to our native mammals outweighs the benefits to the laird’s pocket.

Ken Ferguson

Mayfield Road

Edinburgh