A cat has been put to sleep after being caught in an illegal gin trap in Co Antrim.
Police received reports that a cat was caught in an illegal trap in the Carey Mill area of Ballycastle at around 7.30am on Thursday, May 18.
The cat was found alive and taken to a local vet, but sadly had to be put to sleep due to its injuries.
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Police say that it is still unclear where the trap had been originally set, as it was not anchored to the ground and are advising members of the public to not touch any items in the area that they are unsure of.
A gin trap is a spring-loaded leg-hold device with metal jaws designed to grab and hold an animal by its limbs, normally paws or legs.
Chief Inspector McIldowney said: “Police received a report of a cat caught in an illegal Gin Trap, in the Carey Mill area of the town, at approximately 7.30am yesterday.
“The cat was found alive and transferred to a local vet, but subsequently had to be put to sleep due to injuries sustained.
“To witness an animal in this situation is horrific, no animal should have to go through such pain as a result of a careless person setting a trap illegally.
“At this stage it is unclear as to where the trap had been set, as it was not anchored to the ground, with the cat able to move with the trap still attached.
“The trap may have been set elsewhere and we would advise anyone not to touch any objects they are unsure of.
“Please be advised, we take all wildlife crime very seriously and at present, we have a dedicated policing operation titled Op Subrision in place to combat rural and wildlife crime.
“Anyone with information about this incident can contact us on the 101 number quoting 1425 18/05/23.
“Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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