THE recent disgraceful incident on the banks of the River Derwent (April 1) indicates that the owner of this stretch of water is unconcerned about wildlife.

By setting such a trap or permitting an employee to do so on a river where otters are breeding is crass stupidity.

Otters encourage mink to move on. The form of trapping deployed on the Derwent cannot discriminate between animal species.

A few years ago such a trap, on the road to Helmsley, was reported to the wildlife police officer. The person setting the trap was killing any animal caught in it, then placing it on the road to be run over, in an attempt to make people believe a vehicle had killed it.

All landowners should be responsible for the use of any trap along their riverbank. They should face stiff fines for misdemeanours.

I now live in the Slovak Republic where there is also concern in maintaining a viable otter population.

Watch Out For Otters road signs are to be found at danger points on more than one highway. Anyone deliberately killing an otter would be ostracised here, and face a large fine if convicted.

John and Anna Skelton,

Trieda SNP 21,

Bansk Bystrica, Slovak Republic.

Updated: 11:02 Thursday, April 10, 2003