Cat dies after being caught in snare in Saltash

The cat was found on Yellow Tor Road

An animal welfare charity has appealed for information after a cat died after being caught in a snare in Saltash.

A member of the public found the cat hanging from a tree branch with part of the snare around its neck on 8 March.

The RSPCA warned there are "strict legal conditions" on setting certain types of traps.

It said the person who set the trap could have committed a crime as the trap should be checked daily.

Owner not known

RSPCA inspector Jim Farr said: “This cat was initially caught in a snare and it appears to have dislodged its fixing point.

"Sadly it appears the cat ran off with the snare around his neck but got caught up, resulting in him hanging himself. "

He said he believed the cat picked up the snare close to where it was found in Yellow Tor Lane in Lower Burraton.

The male cat did not have a microchip to identify an owner.

'Strict legal conditions'

Mr Farr said: "There are strict legal conditions on setting certain types of traps and if they are not set in the right way non-target animals, like this cat, can get injured or even killed."

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

“This was a heartbreaking outcome for this cat but serves as a very important reminder of why it’s critical that snares are set and checked correctly if they are to be used at all," Mr Farr added.

The RSPCA has asked anyone with information about the person who set the trap to contact the charity.