Cat put to sleep after being injured in trap
THE Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a cat was caught in a trap in Caithness.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted last Thursday when the cat was discovered in Durran, near Castletown.
Due to the extent of his injuries, the cat – believed to be feral – had to be put to sleep under veterinary advice to prevent any further suffering.
A Scottish SPCA undercover inspector said: "The cat’s paw was caught in a spring trap and was badly broken, which would have resulted in a great deal of pain and distress.
"Spring traps can be used lawfully under specific conditions for trapping small mammals such as rats, stoats and weasels. They have to be covered over, secured and prevented from catching any non-target animal.
"The fact that the cat was caught by his paw strongly suggests the trap was set either illegally or extremely poorly.
"We would appeal to anyone with information about who may have set the trap to contact us in confidence."
Anyone with information should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.