A HEALTHY cat had its leg amputated after his owner said he was stuck in an illegal gin trap.

Abbie Pepper’s cat Teddy went missing for two days before returning home to Trent Way in West End with severe injuries to his rear left leg.

The 21-year-old said the vets told her Teddy’s injuries showed he wouldn’t have been caught in anything other than a gin trap.

Daily Echo: Abbie Pepper with her cat Teddy Abbie Pepper with her cat Teddy

'It was horrible'

Due to the extent of the injuries, the care assistant had to make a decision between amputating Teddy’s leg or putting him to sleep following the incident on July 19.

Abbie said: “Teddy came through the cat flap on Tuesday morning and he was making a really awful noise.

“My mum turned around and saw a trail of blood. The skin on his paw was scraped off and his veins were visible. He was bleeding everywhere.

READ MORE: Cat loses leg after being stuck in 'horrific' animal trap for 36 hours

“We are really upset. It was horrible to think about putting Teddy to sleep as he’s such a healthy cat.

“We have been stressed for the welfare of our cat and about money. You don’t expect to spend £3k in one week on your cat.

Earlier this year, a cat found in Severn Way in West End had his leg amputated, with his leg having been clamped in a trap for 36 hours.

“I was aware of the situation with the cat trap in West End in March this year, but at the time it didn’t cross my mind until the vet told us Teddy wouldn’t have been caught in anything else that would do something like that to his paw.

“We want to get the news out and hopefully someone knows something about the person with the trap.

“We need to raise awareness,” she added.

Outlawed use

The mechanical devices designed to catch an animal by its leg, using spring-operated jaws with teeth or serrated edges.

Daily Echo: Abbie Pepper with her cat Teddy Abbie Pepper with her cat Teddy

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.

Abbie said it is vital people are aware of the risks – even if that means keeping their pets inside.

She: “I know it’s important for cats to go outside but keep them inside.

“If they go missing for a few days, look for them, knock on people’s doors.

“I want people to know as I would hate for it to happen to another animal.”

'Great deal of suffering'

According to the RSPCA, some gin traps are still being illegally used to catch animals such as rabbits and foxes, despite the use being outlawed.

A spokesperson said: “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."

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News