Cat found caught in homemade snare

THE RSPCA is appealing for information after a cat was found caught in a homemade snare.

Officers from the animal welfare charity were contacted after the cat returned to its home in Meadow Street, Treforest, on Wednesday, March 28, with a snare, which appeared to homemade from brake cable wire, wrapped tightly around her neck.

Luckily, the grey and white domestic long-haired 15-year-old cat was unharmed, but the RSPCA is appealing for information.

RSPCA inspector Selina Chan said: “We are concerned that someone is making homemade snares and placing them so indiscriminately that domestic animals are getting trapped.

“This homemade snare was similar to a self-locking snare in that it was so flexible that if the cat struggled it would twist the wire making it unable to release. We would urge anyone in the area who knows anything about this incident to contact us immediately.

“Snares can cause a huge amount of pain and distress and can be fatal. People need to be aware that they leave themselves open to prosecution if they are using illegal traps or not setting them correctly.”

A snare is a wire noose which is attached to a stake or heavy object that acts as an anchor. It is usually set to catch a fox or rabbit, but its victim is quite often a badger, cat or dog. Self-locking snares are illegal.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the RSPCA cruelty and information line on 0300 1234 999. Calls will be treated in confidence.