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Great Horned Owl Caught in Trap

Reported:
01/05/2020
Location:
Dartmouth, MA - USA
Species:
Other
Trap Type:
Leghold
Incident Date:
01/05/2020
Victim's Disposition:
injured
Victim's Name:
Legal Action:
Yes

Summary:

DARTMOUTH, MA – A great horned owl was found by an officer from the Dartmouth, MA animal control department, after she received a call about a large bird struggling in the woods. She arrived on scene and quickly realized that the owl had been ensnared in a leg trap. The owl suffered severe musculo-skeletal trauma after its foot was caught in a leg trap. Leg traps are illegal in Massachusetts and were officially banned in 1997.

 

Result:

Due to leg traps being illegal in the state of Massachusetts, this is an active crime scene where officers are investigating the incident. To ensure the case was properly documented and investigated the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Massachusetts Environmental Police have been contacted. The case is active and ongoing.