Cat was found in Boston garden with illegal gin trap clamped to leg
A cat which sustained horrific injuries after being caught in a deadly gin trap had to be put down by vets.
The young grey tabby cat was found in a garden in Argyle Street, Boston, with a large rusted trap clamped around her back leg – which caused extensive damage by breaking and shattering the limb.
She was rushed to the nearby vets for treatment by the distraught resident – who is not the cat’s owner – but it was felt that the kindest thing to do would be to euthanise her. The incident happened on Tuesday, February 13.
The RSPCA, which says it is hugely concerned that a gin trap has been placed in a residential area where people may have pets, is appealing for information.
Gin traps and the horrific toothed jaws have been banned in this country for nearly 70 years.
RSPCA Inspector Laura Jones, who is investigating this incident, said: “The injuries this poor cat sustained by this barbaric illegal gin trap were just horrific and she must have been in so much pain.
“She managed to get into the garden of the homeowner with this trap attached to her leg - and the worried member of the public rushed her straight to a nearby vet.
“Sadly the injuries she sustained were just too devastating and the independent vet made the decision to put her to sleep to prevent her suffering further.
“We do not know who owns the cat as she was not microchipped. She was a young adult female grey tabby cat.
“She had been visiting the home owner’s garden in recent weeks and they had kindly given her food as they thought she was a stray. She managed to get back into the garden where thankfully she was quickly found and the devastated homeowner rushed her to the vet.
“Gin traps are illegal and anyone found using them could face prosecution and I am investigating this and would urge anyone with information to call me on the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
Gin traps have been illegal to use in the UK since 1958, although some are still being set to catch animals such as rabbits and foxes. The mechanical devices are designed to catch an animal by its leg and have spring-operated jaws with teeth or a serrated edge which snap shut.
Sadly animals like cats can often become victims and suffer horrendous and life-threatening injuries.
Evie Button, from the RSPCA’s wildlife department, said: “Gin traps are cruel and barbaric and anyone setting one faces prosecution. They cause horrific injuries as they usually ensnare the whole leg of an animal.
“They are totally indiscriminate in nature - victims can be wildlife or family pets but whatever the animal, these devices cause a great deal of suffering. We are extremely concerned that someone has set one in a residential area where people often walk their dogs and where there are likely to be cats.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.
