Horrific ordeal of cat in trap

HAPPY to be back home again. Sherlock gets a stroke from Yasmin.

A FAMILY has told of its shock after its pet cat suffered horrific injuries escaping from a trap.

Sherlock's life was hanging in the balance as it staggered back to Steve and Kate Harper's family home in Dobcross to be near his owner, their daughter Yasmin, seven.

Thankfully, vet Ian McConnell saved Sherlock, although he had to have a front leg amputated.

Recalling their shock at the sight of their pet, a Bengal, exhibitions contractor Mr Harper said: "Sherlock was meowing pitifully and his front left leg was in a terrible state.

"Yasmin absolutely adores him. He's her constant companion and she was deeply upset and crying.

"We rushed him to the vet for an emergency operation to save his life.

"He was bleeding to death and x-rays showed his leg was fractured in four places and he had severe tendon damage. His leg had to be removed with his shoulder joint.

"The vet's professional opinion was Sherlock's injuries were consistent with a vermin or animal trap."

Mrs Harper said: "Sherlock was in a very bad way but thanks to the vet he's survived and is on a full road to recovery despite having to learn to walk without one of his front legs."

And Yasmin said: "I'm just glad Sherlock is getting better. He playing again and that's lovely."

Mr McConnell, who runs a practice in Mossley, said: "The cat was severely injured and, tragically, we had to amputate a limb but he is making an excellent recovery, which is great news for the family,"

The RSPCA said: "It's extremely upsetting for the family of the poor cat who was injured."

It said it was relieved to hear that Sherlock's life had been saved, adding: "It sounds like he has a loving, caring family and we hope he makes a speedy recovery.

"However, we advise local people to be vigilant to keep an eye out for traps or other potential dangers in the area by sharing information in the community, to help keep pets as safe as possible."

The charity's wildlife scientific information officer Llewelyn Lowen said that there were "strict legal conditions" on setting certain types of traps.

He said: "If they are not set in the right way non-target animals, like this cat, can get injured or even killed. If this happens the person setting the trap could potentially be committing an offence."

The RSPCA is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any traps that cause suffering.

A snare is a wire noose that is attached to a stake or heavy object that acts as an anchor.

And the charity says that while the use of gin traps has been illegal in the UK since 1958, some are still being used to catch rabbits and foxes.

Gin traps are mechanical traps designed to catch an animal by its leg, using spring-operated jaws with teeth or a serrated edge.

And the RSPCA warned anyone found guilty of setting a gin trap faces a maximum £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison.

"Fenn traps are not illegal but must be set properly. Those using the traps should be fully aware of the legislation regulating their use and of codes of practice that should be followed," it said.

Fenn traps were developed through a series of models and field trials using early versions were carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

To prevent the accidental or deliberate capture or maiming of non-target species, a condition was imposed that the traps must be used in a suitable tunnel.