Cat was caught in illegal gin trap (From Hereford Times)

Cat caught in illegal gin trap near Presteigne

9:40am Sunday 28th October 2012 in News

TWO people out walking between Walton and Presteigne responded to the sounds of a cat to find the animal caught by the paw in an illegal gin trap.

The cat was, once freed, taken to Arrowfield Vets in Kington where it was x-rayed and found to have several dislocated joints and broken bones in its front paw.

Vet Emmet Kelly said: “He is very lucky. If he had been caught any further up his leg it would have been much worse.”

Staff at the vets have named the cat Elvis and, although no one is sure how long he was in the trap, he was very hungry.

“Elvis is very popular at the veterinary practice as he is a very friendly cat and probably only one or two years old,” added Emmet.

Anyone who knows Elvis’s owner can contact the surgery on 01544 230567.

Emmet said: “If his owner doesn’t come forward he won’t be hard to rehome as there are several willing to take him home already.”

Gin traps have been illegal in the UK since 1958.