RSPCA alert as cat is snared by homemade snare

Molly Snared by Homemade Snare

The RSPCA is warning local cat owners in Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, North Wales, to be on their guard after a cat returned home twice entangled in an illegal snare.

Molly, a 12-month-old cat from Gwynant, first returned home three weeks ago in a distressed state with a homemade snare (pictured right) around her body.

Owners Kirsty McLean and Stephen Hughes took Molly to a vet after they were unable to free her from the snare, which was tight around her waist. The vet removed the snare and luckily Molly was uninjured.

Since then Molly has returned home dragging another homemade snare behind her as she walked. This time the snare was attached to her leg and owners Kirsty and Stephen were able to free her from the device.

Pet owners should be on their guard

RSPCA Inspector Kevin Paton is investigating the incidents. He said: “I would urge anyone with information about who is setting these snares to please get in contact with me.

“It is of real concern that someone is going out of their way to make these snares and is then setting them, possibly in a residential area. Pet owners should be on their guard and I would ask anyone who sees a snare to please give the RSPCA a call.

“We are opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any trap which causes suffering. Snares are totally indiscriminate meaning any wild or pet animal could get caught in one and suffer or die as a consequence.”

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.

Anyone with any information at all about these incidents is urged to leave a message for Inspector Kevin Paton on the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty and advice line: 0300 1234 999. Calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.