Scottish SPCA probe after cat caught in trap

THE Scottish SPCA has launched an investigation after a seriously injured cat was found in Edinburgh with a trap attached to its leg.

The injured cat found in Edinburgh's Sir Harry Lauder Road. Picture: Contributed

And the charity believes the incident may be linked to a previous incident in the city a month ago in which another cat was also severely injured.

Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity was called in to investigate when the male black and white cat was discovered on the city’s Sir Harry Lauder Road on Tuesday morning.

An SSPCA spokeswoman said: “The cat had a large fenn spring trap on its leg and a vet has advised he may need his toes removed as they are so badly damaged.”

A fenn spring trap. Picture: Contributed

And she revealed: “The Scottish SPCA appealed for information at the end of October when a cat from Duddingston Avenue in the city returned home with severely crushed paws and the charity believes these two incidents may be linked.”

Mike Flynn, the SSPCA’s Chief Superintendent, said: “This cat had a fenn spring trap attached to its foot which would have caused him a great deal of pain and suffering.

“Spring traps must be set correctly to prevent non-target species becoming caught or injured and it appears this trap was set illegally, which is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.”

He continued: “Sir Harry Lauder Road and Duddingston Avenue are only around one mile apart so it’s likely these two incidents are linked.

“Thankfully, the vet has advised that this cat should make a full recovery but unfortunately the cat found in October was so severely injured he had to be put to sleep by his devastated owners at a vets.

“We did not receive any information as a result of our last appeal so we are now hoping that someone will come forward.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.