SNARES

I HAVE lived in the countryside for years and snares have been in use for longer than I can care to remember.

As was stated (Northern Eco, Feb 13), a sheep, dog, otter and other kinds of wildlife can be trapped in them, but this argument is, in my opinion, utter rubbish.

I would like to know how an animal activist would control vermin like foxes. They are the most ruthless killers of the animal kingdom and should be controlled.

I would also like to know where the writer has got his facts from about dead animal carcasses being piled up to entrap vermin into snares.

If all snares are checked regularly then there is no problem. It is the minority of people who abuse the system who are giving countrysports a bad name. - G Barker, Ripon, North Yorks.

I ADMIRE John Gill for his courage and determination to fight to the use of snares.

I agree they are a very cruel way of trapping animals. They cause stress and suffering to any animal that gets into them. They tighten around the animal and, when the animal gets frightened, it pulls so hard to get free that the snare causes horrific injuries.

But at the end of the day John Gill is fighting money as all these estate owners are wealthy, powerful people and you cannot fight money.

It needs the RSPCA to step in and to make the Government do something. I know how cruel snares are and I also know it is not only foxes and badgers that are caught in them, but cats and dogs as well.

I live in the country and the woods are infested with snares. It's a disgrace. - Carol Monkhouse, Frosterley.

YOUR newspaper should be highly commended for covering the issue of snares and the campaign work of that very courageous man John Gill.

The National Anti-Snaring Campaign has already submitted to Parliament, through Roger Gale MP, a 50,000-name petition calling for a ban on the use of these snares.

The National Anti-Snaring Campaign is backed by the RSPCA, League Against Cruel Sports and The National Federation of Badger Groups. If anyone would like to help they can contact us at PO Box 3058, Littlehampton West Sussex BN16 3LG. - Andrew James, Director, West Sussex Wildlife Protection.

WEST Sussex Badger Protection Group has been involved in numerous snare cases around the country, and it has not always been badgers that we have been called out to. Deer, cats and dogs are caught as well.

Our worst case involved a badger that had dragged itself for four days through woodland struggling to remove a snare. In the process it had half scalped its head to the bone and was breathing bubbles through two holes in its windpipe made by the snare around its throat.

The time has come to ban all snares. The gamekeeper or common woodman who places these snares does so with the intention of killing an animal in the most reckless, painful and inhumane way. These people must be condemned because their action degrades humanity. - Jackie Payne, Secretary, West Sussex Badger Protection Group.

HABITAT DESTRUCTION

After reading about the good work carried out by the Forestry Commission, Durham and Tees Wildlife Trusts (Northern Eco, Feb 13), it seems to me a pity that the good example displayed by these organisations is not being followed by the Government.

For the EU's Habitat Directive to accuse the Government of failing to prevent damage and destruction to areas set aside for rare and threatened species shows how little consideration the ruling parties give to nature at a time when the country is fast becoming one big housing estate.

It is very sad to think that we don't have our very own form of control, making way for the European Commission to take legal action on our behalf. - A Curle, Ferryhill.

DURHAM DEVELOPMENTS

I WAS disappointed to read that John Prescott had backed a public inquiry report which gives developers the go ahead to demolish Brown's Boathouse in Durham and replace it with a bar restaurant (Echo, Feb 10).

It seems that our city is to be taken over by developers and overrun with bars. There are two other big developments, the Old Police Station and the Cheltenham and Gloucester building, both going to have large bar areas. Also eight licences have been awarded on the Millennium/Walkergate site.

We are fortunate to live in a beautiful city, but it will not stay that way if we continue to allow ugly modern developments to overtake us.

Surely it is possible to be more selective and encourage development worthy of a World Heritage site. - Carol Woods, Liberal Democrats Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Durham City.

WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY

THE proposed restoration of the Wensleydale Railway (Echo, Feb 9) is really a most ludicrous idea which will actually benefit no one who lives in or visits the Dale, except perhaps a few fanatical railway enthusiasts.

If these people were really altruistic they would use their money and energy to support the Settle-Carlisle railway which cannot be surpassed for spectacular scenery, architecture and nostalgia.

A sensible idea that would attract people and help businesses in Wensleydale would be a cycle/walking track following the old track and suitable for prams/wheelchairs and those who can walk a mile or so on fairly level ground, as well as serious cyclists and hikers.

The Whitby-Scarborough line is a good example of this and is greatly enjoyed by all who use it.

The mini bus service now provided in the Dales could be extended to carry cycles.

As a frequent visitor to Wensleydale, I am dismayed that its peace and tranquillity may be irretrievably ruined by the determination of a few misguided people who would like to "put the clock back". - K Birch, Scalby, Scarborough.