A cat is recovering from emergency surgery that was needed after getting his feet caught in an illegal trap. Simba fell victim to the vicious gin trap after its jaws snapped down on the feline's feet.
The cat was rushed to the vet after a member of the public found him limping close to his home near Morpeth, Northumberland. The ordeal left him with two broken toes, one of which needed to be amputated, ChronicleLive reported.
Gin traps were made illegal in the UK in 1958 but some people are still using them to catch rodents. The RSPCA says anyone found to be using the deadly devices could face prosecution.
It is not known where the trap was set and what it was being used for. Luckily, Simba's speed meant he only got two toes trapped in the trap, which often ensnare animals' entire limbs.
The traps have spring-operated jaws with teeth or a serrated edge which snap shut. Non-target species, like this four-year-old cat, can often become victims and suffer horrendous and life-threatening injuries.
Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal faces an unlimited fine and/or five years in prison. The RSPCA opposes the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any traps which cause suffering.
RSPCA inspector Lucy Green said: “Simba was very lucky that he only got two of his toes caught. They were both broken, but he certainly took less of an impact because it looks like he was moving so quickly at the time.
“These traps are illegal and anyone setting one faces prosecution. Because this was not an anchored trap, we don’t know the location it was set at or by who. I’ve not seen these types of traps being used in this area before, and more often than not we are having to deal with the consequences of people using fenn traps to control rodents.
“But Gin traps cause horrendous injuries as they usually ensnare the whole leg of an animal, which results in amputation. Simba was fortunately found in the same street as his owner and received treatment as soon as possible.”
Simba’s owner, Elizabeth Jackson, said: “It was a real shock as I got a call from the vets when I was at work. I realise Simba has been really lucky and it could have been worse.
“His foot is bandaged up, but he is doing well and is back with us (see picture). We are taking him back to the vets several times a week and we are hopeful that he won’t have to lose another toe. We don’t know where this trap came from, although it does look like an old one.”
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