Cat found dead in homemade trap

The unneutered adult male was discovered on a footpath off Flatts Lane in Treeton.

The trap, which tightens as the animal tries to get free, was still around its neck.

RSPCA inspector Ben Cottle-Shaw said: “This poor cat was found by a member of the public who took him to a local vets.

“We don’t know for sure that the snare caused his death but it seems likely.

“He isn’t microchipped and wasn’t wearing a collar with any identification details, so we don’t know whether there is an owner out there missing him or whether he was a stray.”

The RSPCA opposed the manufacture, sale and use of snares, which are legal to catch some wild animals. The charity says more than two-thirds of snared animals are not the intended species.

Anyone with information about this incident, on October 20, is urged to call or leave a message on the appeal line on 0300 123 8018.