STEEL TRAPS [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—AS a sometime contributor to the Spectator, and a Still constant reader, may I say a word about the steel trap ? I have been delighted to read the condemnation of its cruelty by various writers in your columns. Every reminder is of value, because unthinking heads, rather than-bad hearts, are responsible for most of the world's cruelty. But the cruelty of the steel trap hardly needs emphasizing : it is admitted, and is deplored even by many of those who deem themselves Obliged to use it. They believe themselves so obliged because they have no faith in the real effectiveness of any other trip. If we could convince them that the noose sold by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for instance, caught rabbits equally well they would he very glad indeed to use it.
That is the crux. If we could produce testimonials from keepers and practical trappers, who would sign their names as witness, saying that the noose can do the work of the spring trap, then other trappers would use it most gratefully. At present it is certain they are not thus convinced. Is it not possible to procure and publish some such testimony ?—I am,
Previous page
