rozinante
Anarchism is order
While walking recently on "access" land, I came across a gin trap set by a stream. It was semi concealed within a raised circle of rocks and baited with what looked like a domestic hen’s egg. I suspect it might have been set primarily for mink. The area was a shooting moor but the nearby presence of a pair of peregrines feeding young suggests a certain amount of tolerance of wildlife. While I am well aware of the reputation of mink in this country, I can't condone this sort of barbarity to tackle the problem. I am almost sure that gin traps are totaly banned but some one else has suggested that special license can be had in the case of mink.
My dilemma was what to do about the trap. I feel entirely justified in my decision to spring the trap and prevent it being re set. However I did feel unsettled about doing it. I did not want to be considered to be stealing or destroying someone else’s property. Especially in the light of it being access land which while only being a gift of access, it could easily be removed.
I actually launched the trap far into the heather leaving the egg intact to show that it had been done by a person.
I wondered what any one else would do in such a circumstance. Should I have reported it to someone? Was I breaking the law in some way? (If so, I would gladly face the charge). The question has become more pressing as I will be revisiting the area soon.
My dilemma was what to do about the trap. I feel entirely justified in my decision to spring the trap and prevent it being re set. However I did feel unsettled about doing it. I did not want to be considered to be stealing or destroying someone else’s property. Especially in the light of it being access land which while only being a gift of access, it could easily be removed.
I actually launched the trap far into the heather leaving the egg intact to show that it had been done by a person.
I wondered what any one else would do in such a circumstance. Should I have reported it to someone? Was I breaking the law in some way? (If so, I would gladly face the charge). The question has become more pressing as I will be revisiting the area soon.
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