West Dunbartonshire cat caught in snare loses leg

A YOUNG female cat has had to have one of her legs amputated after becoming caught in two illegally set snares in West Dunbartonshire.
The cat lost its leg after the incident. Picture: SSPCAThe cat lost its leg after the incident. Picture: SSPCA
The cat lost its leg after the incident. Picture: SSPCA

Buttons, a two year old female cat, was initially found injured in the grounds of the Vale of Leven Golf Club on 17 October. But she ran off before she could be rescued.

She finally returned to her home in The Elms, Alexandria, on 22 October with a wire snare caught around her abdomen and another around one of her back legs.

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The Scottish SPCA has launched an investigation into the incident. And a spokeswoman for the animal welfare charity explained: “Her distraught owner took her to a vets, who advised that sadly her leg would have to be removed.”

The SSPCA is appealing for information from members of the public about the incident.

Mike Flynn, the SSPCA’s Chief Superintendent, said: “A member of the public discovered Buttons with the snare caught around her middle and she already had another snare attached to her leg at this point. Unfortunately, she managed to run away before anyone was able to help her.

“It’s remarkable that Buttons made it home as the snare around her leg was so tight it had cut off the blood circulation, leaving the vet no option but to amputate.

“The snares were both illegally set as neither had a stop mechanism or tag and we are very keen to identify the person responsible.”

He stressed: “Vale of Leven Golf Club have confirmed that no-one is authorised to set snares in their grounds and they are assisting us with our enquiries. This is a popular area for dog walkers so we would urge people to be particularly careful and to contact us if they see anything suspicious.”

Chief Supt Flynn added: “Anyone with information which may be relevant to our enquiries should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

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