Barbed wire

Barbed wire is a type of fencing wire constructed with sharp edges or points arranged at intervals along the strand(s). It is used to construct inexpensive fences. A person or animal trying to pass through a barbed-wire fence will suffer discomfort and possibly injury. Barbed-wire fencing requires only fenceposts, wire and fixing devices such as staples. It is simple to construct and quick to erect by a skilled fencer.

Injuries caused by barbed wire

Unrestrained violence against barbed wire will always result in moderate to severe injuries to the skin and, depending on body area and barbed wire configuration, possibly to the underlying tissue. Humans manage to not injure themselves too much when dealing with barbed wire as long as they exert a high degree of caution. Restriction of movement, appropriate clothing, and slowing down when close to barbed wire seem to be the key in reducing the extent of injury.

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Injuries caused by barbed wire are typically seen in horses, bats or birds. Horses panic easily, and once they get caught in barbed wire, large patches of skin may be torn off, sometimes exposing the underlying bone. At best, such injuries may heal, but they may cause disability or death (particularly due to secondary infection). Birds or bats may not be able to perceive thin strands of barbed wire and suffer impalement or lacerating injuries.

Related Topics:
Horse - Bat - Bird

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Grazing cattle with slow movements, that will back off at the first notion of pain — sheep, cows — may not suffer the severe injuries that would typically be seen in other animals.

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Barbed wire has been reported as a tool to torture people. There are some indications as to the precise extent of injuries. Other reports include deaths as possible consequence of barbed wire abuse, and even though full details about further investigations are missing, one has to assume that deep lacerations caused by barbed wire may also cause severe bleeding.

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