The RSPCA is attracting the general public for details after a cat passed away after getting his neck stuck in a deadly spring trap. The family animal called Stan was discovered deceased under a car in Pennard Avenue, Liverpool, with a heavy trap around his head.
RSPCA inspector Joanne McDonald, who is checking out the occurrence, said: “This is such an incredibly heartbreaking incident. Stan was a much-loved family pet and his owners are understandably upset.
“The trap was very heavy so we can’t imagine that Stan travelled very far after getting stuck in it. There was food glued to the trap and because it wasn’t set in a tunnel as required by law, whoever set this was putting any animal in the area at risk of serious injury.
“There also appears to be different coloured fur on the trap which suggests it had previously caught another animal.”
Whilst spring traps aren’t prohibited in the UK area 8 of the Pests Act 1954 states that it is an offense to utilize or purposefully allow using any spring trap to eliminate or take animals, aside from an authorized trap, or in scenarios for which it is not authorized.
Joanne included: “We’re warning pet-owners in the area that this has happened and urge them to remain cautious. If anybody has any information, please do contact us so we can look into this further. It’s so upsetting that this has happened, so we need to find out who is setting these traps to avoid another innocent animal being targeted.”
Evie Button, from the RSPCA’s wildlife department, said: “Spring traps are cruel and barbaric. They cause horrific injuries which can so often be fatal like in the case of Stan.
“They are totally indiscriminate in nature – victims can be wildlife or family pets; but whatever the animal, these devices cause a great deal of suffering. We are extremely concerned that someone has set one in a residential area where people often walk their dogs and where there are likely to be cats.
“When they’re not set correctly, spring traps can have devastating consequences and we’d appeal to anyone with information about this incident to get in contact with us.”
The RSPCA said it is opposed to the manufacture, sale and usage of all traps which trigger suffering. Anyone condemned of triggering unneeded suffering to a secured animal deals with an endless fine and/or 5 years in jail.
People with details about this occurrence ought to get in touch with the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018, pricing estimate occurrence number 1044752.
