A CAT had to have its leg amputated after it was caught in an illegal trap in Penhow.

The animal was found with a gin trap attached to the its leg in a field at Bowdens Lane in Penhow, on 9 June. The person who found the cat contacted the RSPCA who are now trying to find out who might have laid this dangerous trap.

Inspector Gemma Black said: “Sadly the cat’s leg was amputated - it was taken off straight away as the injury was so bad you could see the bones.

“It was horrendous - she is only a young cat. She would have been in so much pain. It was lucky someone found her.”

The cat hadn’t been microchipped so an owner has not been found.

“We put posters up and no one has come forward yet,” added inspector Black.

“If anyone has any information about this cat or about who has put down this trap, please get in touch. Please ring our inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018, which is in confidence.”

Gin traps are mechanical traps designed to catch an animal by its leg, using spring-operated jaws with teeth or a serrated edge. The use of gin traps has been illegal in the UK since 1958, but some are still being used to catch animals such as rabbits and foxes.

It is illegal to cause any animal to suffer by using gin traps, and domestic animals often fall foul of the traps.

The sale or possession of such traps is not illegal, but the RSPCA wants to make people aware that they can face prosecution by setting a gin trap.

Anyone found guilty of setting a gin trap faces a maximum £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison.