The Scottish SPCA is urging the public to remain vigilant after a cat had to be humanely euthanised when it was found caught in a gin trap – a device banned in Scotland for more than 50 years.
The cat was discovered on 15 January near Mintlaw, Fraserburgh and was taken to a local veterinary practice. A Scottish SPCA Inspector attended after a call of concern was made to the charity’s helpline. Police Scotland also launched an investigation due to the illegality of the trap that caused the injuries to the cat.
Gin traps have been fully banned for general use in Scotland since 1973, and in England and Wales since 1958. Setting a trap such as this or possessing one with the intention of trapping an animal is a criminal act.
These mechanical devices are designed to catch an animal by the leg or neck, using two metal jaws that snap shut when triggered.
Evidence suggests the cat may have travelled some distance with the rusty trap attached to its front leg. The injury to the paw was so severe, and the animal was in such significant pain when brought to the vet, that unfortunately it had to be humanely euthanised.
Devices such as gin traps have no place in Scotland
A Scottish SPCA Inspector said: “These traps have long been banned, and it is truly heartbreaking to see animals still suffering because of them. They are sickening and cruel devices.
“We do not believe they are a humane way to catch animals. Devices such as gin traps have no place in Scotland.”
Officers from Police Scotland conducted a search of the surrounding area where the cat was discovered and spoke to local residents. To date, no suspects have been identified.
Police Constable Ann Ashman, Wildlife Crime Officer, said: “We have carried out extensive enquiries in the local area and I am now appealing to the public. If you have seen traps like this set in the Mintlaw area, please report this to us.
Anyone with information relating to this incident should contact us
“They are illegal and there is no legitimate reason for their use. We will pursue all lines of enquiry and anyone with information relating to this incident should contact us via 101 and quote crime reference number CR/0042512/26.””
Anyone wishing to report information anonymously can also do so by contacting Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.
The Scottish SPCA has been campaigning for years for the ban of inhumane traps. In 2024, the Scottish Parliament passed the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act banning all forms of snares and glue traps, offering much-needed additional protection for Scotland’s wildlife. However, illegal traps are still being used.
If you find an animal caught in an illegal trap..
If you find an animal caught in an illegal trap, do not try to deal with it yourself, please report it to Police Scotland immediately. If you are unsure of the exact location, you can use the what3words website or app to help us find you. It will give you a unique three-word code for your location and make it easier for our team to respond to your call.
For more information on what to do if you find a trapped animal, visit our relevant advice and care pages on our website.
To report any act of cruelty, visit our Contact Us page.
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