Appeal after cat is caught in illegally set trap

A PET cat is thought to have spent four days in pain and distress in an illegally set trap, the Scottish SPCA has said.

The female cat, named Mila, had been missing from her home on Ross Avenue, Dornoch, for four days when she was found.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: "Mila’s owner discovered her in a neighbour’s garden with her left leg caught in the trap.

"She was very dehydrated when she was found. We think she tried to make her way home after she was trapped and hid in a nearby garden.

"Amazingly, Mila did not suffer any broken bones or serious injury. However, she was in a lot of pain and very distressed.

"Her foot was very swollen and she has possible nerve damage so she is being cared for at a local vets.

"Although the trap was legal, we think it may have been set illegally. It should have been fixed but clearly wasn’t if Mila managed to walk with the trap still attached to her leg.

"Setting illegal traps is a very serious offence that can cause a great deal of pain and suffering to animals so we are keen to identify whoever was responsible.

"Anyone with information about the trap should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

"The Scottish SPCA is in favour of an outright ban on snares and traps as they are indiscriminate in the animals they catch and cause a great deal of pain and suffering."

Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is a serious offence and anyone found guilty can face stiff penalties including a prison sentence and a substantial fine of up to £20,000.

Setting illegal traps is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981