St Austell cat owner thanks locals for support after gin trap horror

Angel has now completely recovered from his ordeal

A St Austell women whose cat was badly injured by a gin trap says she is "incredibly grateful" for the support she has received.

Angel the cat suffered lacerations, torn ligaments and broken bones when he was caught in the heavy steel trap in January.

He needed lengthy veterinary care to save his back leg, but is now fit and well again.

Local donations have covered more than half of the £2,500 vet's bill.

Angel's owner Hayley Dowrick was left feeling "utter horror" in January when the cat Angel dragged himself through the cat flap, pulling the trap, chain and metal stake behind him.

It took two people to free Angel from the jaws of the gin trap

She said the wound on his leg was very slow to heal, adding: "He needed so many visits to the vets, creams, bandages, it was awful.

LISTEN: Hayley Dowrick tells BBC Radio Cornwall about Angel's long recovery.

"At first he was not so happy going out, it was like he'd lost his confidence after three months inside.

"Now he's able to get out and about, he's so much happier."

Angel had to be kept in a cage as his wounds healed

Angel was not insured and the bill for his care topped £2,500, but the news of his plight prompted a flood of donations.

An online appeal raised £1,540 while other donations were sent directly to the vets.

Care worker Mrs Dowrick, 58, said: "It's been absolutely wonderful. It's so lovely that people have wanted to help Angel, I'm incredibly grateful."

Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating and have confirmed it is illegal to use a gin trap or to possess it for an unlawful purpose.