Elvis the cat caught in a trap

07.07.11

We're appealing for information after a cat caught in an illegal gin trap had to have three toes amputated.

 

The cat, who has been nicknamed Elvis, was seen by a passer-by struggling to get through a fence by Myton Road in Warwick, Warwickshire, on 2 June, with his leg caught in the illegal trap.

 

The trap was removed at Warwick’s Avonvale Vets, but so much damage had been done that three of Elvis’s toes had to be amputated. The state of his injuries indicated that he had been stuck in the trap and dragging it behind him for at least 24 hours, which would have caused a great deal of pain and suffering.

Illegal traps

Gin traps have been illegal in England and Wales since 1958. They’re designed to catch animals by their legs, using spring-operated jaws with teeth or a serrated edge.

Our animal welfare officer (AWO), Ben Jones, said: 

Gin-traps are illegal because of the damage and suffering they cause. Once the trap springs shut it is impossible for the animal to get free or remove the trap itself. The jaws will lock tight around them and can only be prised apart with some force.

Anyone found guilty of setting a gin trap which causes unnecessary suffering to an animal faces a maximum £20,000 fine and/or up to six months in prison.

Can you help?

From his behaviour we know Elvis is a semi-feral cat or long-term stray, which means he will have had quite a large territory and may have travelled some way with the trap around his leg.

Ben said:

It is irresponsible for someone to place a gin trap in this area. It’s quite a rural area but it’s only half a mile from the town centre, so kids could also get caught by one of these traps.

If anyone has seen someone laying traps around this area, they should report it so we can help prevent animals suffering in future.

If you have any information regarding this case, or any other form of animal cruelty, please call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.

Ready for a new home

Elvis is now on the mend and ready for rehoming. As he is a semi-feral cat, he will need to live somewhere like a farm where there is plenty of space for him to roam around freely; he would not be suitable for rehoming as an ordinary domestic cat.

If you think you could offer Elvis a suitable living environment please contact:

RSPCA Warwickshire and South and East Branch.

Telephone: 01432 830260

Think first...

Please remember that pet ownership takes time, money, commitment and patience - owning a pet is likely to change your life completely. Our pets pages can help yyou to understand the care that cats need.