Cat in Forest of Dean injured in banned trap

Vets say Belle might need to have her leg amputated

Author: Olivia MounsorPublished 31st Oct 2022

Pet owners are being told to be vigilant, after a cat in Lydney was caught in a suspected banned-trap.

Police say Belle the cat was caught near her home, in the Harrison Way area of Lydney on the 26th October.

It's thought the trap was a 'Gin Trap' which has been banned since 1958, due to the extreme damage they cause.

Belle managed to get home, and has since been taken to the vets - who believe she say need to have her leg amputated.

PC Cath McDay from the Rural Crime Team said: “To witness a pet in this situation is horrific – no one should have to go through this as a result of a careless person who has set a trap illegally – for whatever the intended purpose.

"This style of trap is used to catch an animal by its leg or head, and the injuries they cause can be horrific."

"Not only is setting a Gin Trap an offence, and one we take seriously, there are further offences which have been committed as a result of the suffering that has been caused to Belle."

Anyone with information is being encouraged to contact police, referencing incident 211 of 29th October

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