Boston: Cat dies after getting caught in illegal gin trap

Gin traps have been illegal to use in the UK since 1958, although some are still being set to catch animals such as rabbits and foxes, according to the RSPCA

A cat had to be put down after getting caught in an illegal trap in Lincolnshire, the RSPCA has said.

The animal was found in a garden in Argyle Street, Boston, with a rusted gin trap clamped around her back leg.

The trap had caused such extensive damage it was decided the kindest option was to put the animal to sleep.

The charity, which believes the cat encountered the gin trap in a different garden to where it was found, has launched an investigation.

'Cruel and barbaric'

RSPCA Inspector Laura Jones said: "The injuries this poor cat sustained by this barbaric illegal gin trap were just horrific and she must have been in so much pain.

"She managed to get into the garden with this trap attached to her leg - and the worried member of the public rushed her straight to a nearby vet.

"Sadly, the injuries she sustained were just too devastating and the independent vet made the decision to put her to sleep to prevent her suffering further."

The RSPCA said it was not known who owned the young adult female grey tabby cat as she was not microchipped.

"She had been visiting the homeowner's garden in recent weeks and they had kindly given her food as they thought she was a stray," Ms Jones added.

Evie Button, from the RSPCA's wildlife department, said gin traps were "cruel and barbaric".

"They are totally indiscriminate in nature, and we are extremely concerned that someone has set one in a residential area," she added.