REGIONAL: Appeal after birds found dead and glued to feeders in nature reserve

THE RSPCA is appealing for information after glue traps were placed on bird feeders at a nature reserve, trapping birds and leaving them for dead.

By The Newsroom

Published 16th Sep 2018, 15:46 BST

Updated 16th Sep 2018, 15:52 BST

The animal welfare charity was alerted by rangers from Horsham District Council, who found the stricken entangled birds stuck to feeders and on the ground nearby on Thursday.

The sticky substance, identified as bird lime, had been placed on the feeders and the surrounding vegetation to trap any bird that came into contact with it.

Five blue tits and one great tit were found dead on the traps.

Under theÂ Wildlife and Countryside Act, trapping or attempting to trap wild birds is against the law.

A spokesman from the RSPCA said: '˜We are working closely with the district council to investigate this incident and are appealing to anyone who may have any information to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 123 8018.

Using this method of trapping causes huge amounts of distress and suffering for the birds and will indiscriminately ensnare anything that comes into contact with it.

'˜Some birds have already died due to these traps in this case.'