RSPCA are investigating after cat found trapped in snare

The cat was found in a Sunderland park with deep wounds which were caused as the trap tightened.

The youngsters were taking part in a litter pick in Barley Mow Park, Ryhope Road, when they came across the animal in undergrowth.

They alerted the RSPCA and animal rescuer inspector Helen Nedley was sent to collect the distressed tabby cat caught in a snare between two railings of a metal fence on Thursday, August 5.

The wire was so tight around the cat’s body that it had constricted his abdomen to just about two inches wide.

She managed to free him and rushed him to a nearby vets but as well as the deep wounds caused by the wired snare he was found to also have maggots, so the vet made the decision to put him to sleep to end his suffering.

The unneutered male was aged about three, but was not microchipped and was not wearing a collar so it is unknown if he was a pet or a feral cat. The vet also estimated that the cat had suffered for about a week in the snare.

Helen said: “It was one of the most appalling things I have had to deal with.

“To think he had been in this predicament for a week - obviously unable to drink or eat - and in such a suffering state is so upsetting. I am so grateful to the schoolchildren who found him as it must have been very distressing for them. But it was very lucky they came across him because he was in such a remote spot where no-one goes in some undergrowth that he would have been left alone to suffer a lingering death.”

Helen is now appealing for information to find the person responsible for setting the free-running snare which - due to its size - she believes may have been set to catch rabbits.

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.

If this happens the person setting the trap could potentially be committing an offence and the trap should be checked daily. In this case it had not as the vet believes the cat had been caught in this predicament for about a week.

Helen said: “I am disgusted that someone has set a trap like this and have been in contact with the local council who maintain the park - and they are equally appalled.

“I just can’t understand why anyone would want to set a trap like this and am keen to find the person responsible.

The RSPCA is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any traps which cause suffering.

Councillor Claire Rowntree, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This was a sick and appalling attack on a defenceless animal in a popular city park. I would urge anyone with any information which might help bring the person behind this to justice to contact the RSPCA.”

Anyone with information about the person who set the trap should contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.

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