The RSPCA is highlighting the dangers of spring traps after a cat lost her leg when she was caught in the trap.
The black cat had to have her front leg amputated after being trapped in the spring trap in a field near Cleve Court Farm, in Canterbury, Kent this month.
The cat, who has been named Lauren by staff at the RSPCA Canterbury branch, had serious injuries to her front leg which meant it was too damaged to save.
Lauren had been wandering around with the trap still attached to her leg and had also managed to get the trap stuck in netting when luckily a member of the public found her. The passerby managed to untangle her from the netting and took her to a nearby vets with the trap still attached to her leg.
AGONY
Inspector Deborah Smith said: “This poor cat must have been in absolute agony but she was still trying to get around with this horrible trap attached to her leg and ended up even more stuck.
“While it is not an illegal trap in itself, the trap is likely to have been set illegally as these kind of traps should be set in an artificial or natural tunnel which is fit for purpose and secured to the ground in order to avoid catching non-target species. It may have also been left out and forgotten about for some time.
“We would ask local people to be vigilant to keep an eye out for these traps. It may not be illegal to own this trap but it is an offence to set them incorrectly. Sadly, domestic animals can fall foul of them and they are unforgiving – leaving Lauren with life-changing injuries.”
The use of spring traps is not illegal but is regulated by the Pests Act 1954, and the Spring Traps Approval (England) Order 2012.
Lauren the cat is now on cage rest and painkillers while she recovers from surgery.
HUMANE
And in Lewes in Sussex, a tiny eight-week-old stray kitten was caught in a rat trap in Barcombe. The tortoiseshell and white kitten was found caught in the rat trap but luckily didn’t suffer any injuries.
The cat, who has now been named Whisker Roar, is being looked after at private boarding establishment, Manor Cattery, in Lewes, until she is ready to be rehomed.
The RSPCA is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any traps that cause suffering. The charity urges the use of humane deterrents for dealing with unwanted rats and mice, including removing food or other resources that attract them.
