Fox Seriously Injured in Illegal Gin Trap

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a fox was seriously injured in an illegal gin trap in Dundee.

Scotland's animal welfare charity was alerted on Wednesday when the animal was discovered at Baldovie Recycling Centre with its foot caught in the metal trap.

Chief Inspector Brian Cowing said, "The fox's foot was hanging off, with the trap still attached.

"Due to the extent of the fox's injuries and the presence of maggot eggs, we believe it had been living like this for several days.

"The fox had suffered a great deal and sadly the kindest and only humane option was to put it to sleep.

"Gin traps have been illegal for over 50 years. They are cruel and indiscriminate and will capture whatever or whoever sets it off.

"The industrial estate is close to an area of parkland and we think it's possible the trap was set there and the fox managed to move with it still attached.

"We are asking anyone with information about who may have set this trap to contact us.

"As the area is popular with dog walkers we would also urge locals to be on their guard and call us if they come across a trap."

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.