Jena, 07.04.2026 – Dangerous and illegal animal traps were discovered in a forest area north of Jena over the weekend. The animal rights organization PETA has now offered a reward for information leading to the capture of the perpetrators.
- Event: Discovery of illegal animal traps (snap trap and live trap)
- Location: Forest area between Lützeroda and Cospeda
- Time: Saturday afternoon
- Reward: 500 Euro by PETA for relevant information
- Contact for witnesses: Jena Police or PETA at 0711 8605910 or via email at whistleblower@peta.de
Walker brings bear trap to the police
A 36-year-old woman made a shocking discovery on Saturday afternoon while walking between the Jena districts of Lützeroda and Cospeda. She came across an active snap trap, colloquially often referred to as a bear trap or leg-hold trap. The woman acted immediately, secured the device, and handed it over to the police.
Since the walker stated she had seen another trap in the forest, officers returned to the site with her. There, they were able to secure an additional live trap. The police then informed the responsible hunting tenant and initiated an official investigation for violation of the Animal Welfare Act.
PETA offers reward for perpetrator capture
To support the investigation, the animal rights organization PETA has now offered a reward of 500 Euro. The money is to be paid to individuals whose information leads to the legally binding conviction of the perpetrators. Witnesses can contact any police station or pass on their observations directly to PETA, even anonymously. Further information on the topic of animal cruelty is provided by the association at peta.de/themen/tierquaelerei/.
Background: Legal situation and local dangers
The setting of leg-hold traps has been strictly prohibited in the European Union since 1995. The general use of so-called killing traps has also been prohibited in Thuringia since 2019 for reasons of animal and species protection. Such traps are extremely dangerous as they snap shut indiscriminately and can cause animals severe bone fractures and excruciating pain.
The affected forest area between Lützeroda and Cospeda is located in the immediate vicinity of the well-known Windknollen nature reserve. The region around the historical battlefield of 1806 is a frequently visited local recreation area for the residents of Jena. Illegally laid traps pose a deadly danger here not only for wild animals but also endanger free-running dogs and walkers who are off the paved paths. Animal cruelty is considered a criminal offense under Section 17 of the Animal Welfare Act and can be punished with fines or imprisonment of up to three years.
Source:
Jena: Illegal animal traps discovered – PETA offers 500 Euro reward for information
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