Heartbreaking photos show pet cat ‘Belle’ with her foot clamped in the jaws of an illegal ‘gin trap’
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Heartbreaking photos show cat ‘Belle’ clinging to her owner with her foot clamped in the jaws of an illegal ‘gin trap’ after crawling home in agony
- An owner of c was shocked to discover that his leg was caught in an illegal trap
- Vets think Belle may need to have her leg amputated because of her injuries
- The traps were originally used to catch stoats and foxes, but were banned in 1958
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Shocking photos show a domestic cat suffered ‘horrific’ injuries after its paw got stuck in an illegal animal trap.
Police said Belle was caught in the jaws of the banned device on Wednesday, October 26, while walking close to her home, in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
Incredibly, the mutilated feline managed to crawl back home to her stunned owner, but vets treating her now think she may need to amputate her leg.
Officers call for information after a cat was injured after getting trapped in a banned animal trap in the Forest of Dean
Gin traps were originally used to catch stoats and foxes but have been banned in the UK since 1958 (stock image)
The brutal spring mechanism, known as a Gin Trap, was used to catch stoats and foxes, but was officially banned in 1958.
PC Cath McDay, of the Gloucestershire Constabulary National Crime Team, warned local pet owners to stay vigilant.
She said: ‘To witness a pet in this situation is horrific – no one should have to experience this as a result of a careless person setting a trap illegally – for any purpose whatsoever.
‘Gin Traps were banned for use in 1958, and the use of traps is regulated by the Pests Act 1954.’
Vets say Belle may have to amputate the cat’s paw after it was seriously injured in the fall
PC McDay continued: ‘This type of trap is used to catch an animal by the leg or head using spring-operated jaws with teeth and the injuries they cause can be horrific.
“Not only is posting a Gin Trap an offense, and one that we take seriously, there are other offenses that have been committed as a result of the suffering inflicted on Belle.”
PC McDay added: ‘I would like pet owners in the Lydney area to be vigilant regarding this incident and ask anyone with information to contact us.’