During a routine inspection in the Sierra Oeste, Forest Agents from the Community of Madrid located and removed two hidden metal traps within the municipality of San Martín de Valdeiglesias. These traps, set to activate, pose a direct threat to the area's biodiversity.
The officers proceeded to immediately disable the devices and confiscate them, initiating the corresponding proceedings to identify those responsible for their placement. Environmental legislation, both regional and national, strictly prohibits the use of such capture mechanisms.
“"The mechanism is activated by pressure, blindly trapping any animal that steps on the trap. This includes game species, but also strictly protected fauna, companion animals, and even poses a serious physical risk to hikers or field workers."
Authorities warn that metal traps are cruel and indiscriminate capture methods. Their design causes severe physical injuries, such as open fractures or amputations, inflicting prolonged suffering on animals and contravening conservation principles.
In addition to wildlife, these traps represent a considerable danger to domestic animals and to people who frequent the countryside, such as hikers or farm workers. The Forest Agents emphasize the importance of citizen collaboration.
Citizens are urged that, if they detect any suspicious device in the countryside, they should not attempt to handle it and should immediately notify 112 so that professionals can safely remove it.
