Tragic Rescue of a Buzzard Caught in an Illegal Trap in Comines-Warneton

The Animal Disaster Team (ADT) was called to Comines-Warneton following an alert from the fire department. On site, our team found a common buzzard — a species protected under Walloon law — caught in an X-type trap, a device that is strictly prohibited except under very specific and regulated exemptions.

The bird had sustained a severe leg injury due to the violent nature of the trap mechanism. After assessing its condition, the buzzard was transported to the CREAVES wildlife rehabilitation center in Perwez. Sadly, the injury was irreversible, leaving no hope for recovery. To prevent any further suffering, the veterinary team at the center made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the bird.

In Wallonia, the use, possession, or sale of traps is strictly forbidden unless explicitly authorized in narrowly defined cases. X-type traps are considered non-selective, as they can injure or capture any type of animal — including protected species like birds of prey, or even domestic animals.

⚠️ If you ever come across a suspicious trap, do not attempt to touch or remove it yourself. Instead, contact the Nature and Forests Department (DNF) immediately by calling 1718.