RSPCA speaks out after cat needs leg amputated after being caught in trap in Stoke Newington

Ruby needed to have her leg amputated after being taken to an RSPCA animal hospital. Photograph: RSPCA

A cat endured a horrific ordeal and had to have its leg amputated after getting caught in an illegal gin trap in Stoke Newington – leading to warnings that people should stop using this cruel type of contraption as a means of pest control.

Charity the RSPCA revealed Ruby, a six-year-old female tabby, was found caught in the metal trap, which has spring-operated jaws with teeth or a serrated edge.

The trap had been placed in the back of a garden in Lordship Park, possibly to catch foxes, even though use of gin traps has been outlawed since 1958.

The cat had been missing for two days, and it is thought likely she was caught in the trap, suffering, for most of that time.

After being found at the end of last month, Ruby was taken to an RSPCA animal hospital and underwent surgery to remove her leg because the injuries were so severe.

Caroline Allen, veterinary director for the London branch of the charity, said: “If only people realised the damage traps like this can do. I was shocked and horrified that such a thing could have been placed in the middle of London.

“When Ruby came to us she was in extreme shock and distress and her paw was hanging off – it was awful.

“Her leg was almost completely severed above the wrist so there really was no other alternative but to amputate it. She would have been in an incredible amount of pain, and probably for a couple of days from what we can tell.

“Luckily the operation went well, and Ruby is making a good recovery. She should be able to lead a happy, healthy life on three legs, although will need some adjusting and will always bear the scars of this lethal contraption.”

The trap had been placed at the back of a garden. Photograph: RSPCA

Indiscriminate

Llewelyn Lowen, scientific officer for the RSPCA, said: “We believe this to be a gin trap – mechanical devices designed catch an animal by its leg, using spring-operated jaws with teeth or a serrated edge. The use of gin traps has been outlawed in the UK since 1958, but some are still being illegally used to catch animals such as rabbits and foxes.

“Gin traps are indiscriminate. The victims can just as easily be a family pet as a wild animal, but whichever the animal, these traps are lethal and cause a great deal of suffering and we are extremely concerned about their use.”

As soon as Ruby has made a full recovery, the RSPCA will be looking for a new home for her in a different area as her previous owner did think it was safe to remain living where she was.

For anyone interested in expressing an interest in adopting her, she will appear on the Southall Cattery website as soon as she is ready.

The police are investigating the trap’s placement.

Anyone with any information about this should call them on 101.