Otter Dies After Being Caught In Snare

An investigation has been launched after an otter found seriously injured in Little Bowden died.

It had been caught by a snare, which caused a deep wound and was still attached to its body.

Staff from Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital in Kibworth took the wild mammal to a vet, but it had to put to sleep because of the serious nature of its injuries.

The otter sadly had to be put down

Police and the RSPCA are investigating the incident, as otters are a protected species and there are strict rules governing the use of snares.

Simon Rogers spotted the distressed otter crossing Rectory Lane on Friday afternoon and was able to catch it, before alerting the wildlife hospital and authorities.

He spoke to HFM:

The otter sadly had to be put down

Otters have been spotted regularly in and around the River Welland and River Jordan in recent months and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

This means it is an offence to willfully kill, injure, capture or disturb otters, except under licence.

Pc Kelly Tones from Leicestershire’s Rural Policing Team is investigating the incident, which she described as ‘horrendous’:

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting reference 24*39510.