Cat loses leg in 'illegal trap' and owner faces £5,300 vet bill

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A Bengal cat has been left without a leg, and its owner forced into picking up a £5,300 vet bill after it was caught in an ‘illegal’ gin trap.

Wilson was caught in what her owner, Cliff Spittle, claims is an illegal trap, left one household with veterinary bills amounting to £5,300, while the neighbour responsible for the trap maintains that he acted with no malicious intent.

Mr Spittle, from Yelland, explained: "It was about 11.30pm. I went out to try and get her in when we noticed she was crying from next door. The neighbour knocked on the door in the morning and said, ‘I’m really, really sorry but I’ve got traps down’." He says they were gin traps, illegal since 1958.

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“The traps were set in an open outhouse, accessible to local wildlife and neighbourhood pets,” he added.

Mr Spittle described the excruciating three-day ordeal Wilson endured: "The cat had this on for three days before we found her. The leg was in a right mess, and the neighbour said they did nothing wrong."

Despite the neighbour’s apology, tensions flared after Wilson’s injury was revealed, with the neighbour allegedly blaming Spittle and his wife for allowing their cat out at night. Mr Spittle’s frustration with the authorities has only added to the distress.

Despite the illegality of gin traps, both the RSPCA and the police were limited in their response. "Police investigated it and said no crimes were broken. RSPCA investigated it and issued a formal caution which again I think was just ridiculous," said Mr Spittle, adding that he believes this incident should be treated as "criminal damage."

The police response, in particular, has left the family angered and feeling let down. He claims: "The person I spoke to basically said: 'What do you want me to do? Come and arrest him and lock him up?'"

Wilson’s injury led to significant medical procedures, including a leg amputation due to the extent of the nerve damage.

Mr Spittle added: "They tried Manuka honey for two weeks, but by the end, the vet bills were £3,000 and they said there’s just too much nerve damage. We've got to take the leg off."

Despite the traumatic experience, Mr Spittle reports that Wilson is "absolutely fine" now, though the emotional and financial toll continues to weigh heavily on the family.

The neighbour responsible for the trap issued a written response expressing regret over the incident but defended his use of the trap, claiming it was intended to target rats.

"I am truly very sorry your cat was injured whilst on our property by the trap," wrote the neighbour, adding that he had "set the trap to target just rats in my old metalworking shed." The neighbour insists there was "no malicious intent to cause harm to any cats that visit our garden."

He further highlighted the serious threat posed by rats, citing diseases like leptospirosis, which "can be fatal so need to be controlled when possible."

He also disclosed that he sought legal advice and consulted with animal protection groups, including the Cats Protection League and the Royal Courts of Justice. He underscored his belief that the responsibility for safeguarding animals lies with their owners: "The cats’ welfare is up to the cat owners who should accept accidents will happen, and neighbours should not need to safeguard other people’s animals."

In his defence, he pointed out that the incident had caused him significant stress, contributing to a medical incident for which an ambulance was called after receiving a letter from Mr Spittle.

The dispute between the neighbours continues unresolved, with Mr Spittle expressing his dissatisfaction with the authorities' handling of the case. "If the police aren't following it up and the RSPCA are not taking this seriously, then what is the point of actually getting the message out?"

The gin trap which caught a cat in Boston, leading to its death
The gin trap which caught a cat in Boston, leading to its death -Credit:RSPCA

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We’re so sorry Wilson has been left with terrible injuries. Not only is it illegal to set a gin trap, it is also illegal to cause an animal to suffer as a result. We have sadly seen domestic animals fall victim to these traps many times.

“Gin traps are mechanical devices designed to catch an animal by its leg, using spring-operated jaws with teeth or serrated edges. Although owning or selling a gin trap is not an offence, the use of gin traps has been outlawed in the UK since 1958, as well as the use of a legal spring trap that has been modified by having teeth cut into the jaws or fencing staples welded onto them. Despite this, some are still being illegally used to catch animals such as rabbits and foxes.

“Gin traps are indiscriminate. The victims can be wildlife, or family pets but whichever the animal, these traps cause a great deal of suffering and we are extremely concerned about their use.

“The RSPCA is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and traps which cause suffering. Animals trapped like this will struggle when caught and may succeed in pulling the trap from its anchor only to die later from their injuries.

“We’re grateful to people who report their concerns to us but we cannot comment any further as we are unable to discuss enquiries about specific individuals and what action may be taken.”

Devon & Cornwall Police added: "Police received a report of a cat being injured by a sprung-loaded trap and sustaining a severe leg injury on Thursday 16 May.

"An initial investigation was carried out, but no further action was taken at the time. However, following a review in September, the case has been reopened and enquiries are ongoing."