Man's spring-loaded trap cost pet cat a leg

A man has been prosecuted after a cat lost a leg when it was caught in a spring-loaded trap he had set.

Mark Hewitson, 58, admitted at Preston Crown Court that he had caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Lancashire Police said Hewitson, of Bannister Drive, Leyland, was arrested by officers from the force's South Rural task force following an investigation into the 9 January incident.

He was ordered to pay £750 in compensation, fined £112, and must forfeit two spring‑loaded traps.

Police said the cat was caught in a trap and, despite managing to make its way home, its leg was so badly injured that it had to be amputated.

Following an investigation by officers from the South Rural Task Force, Hewitson was charged.

Hewitson, 58, was ordered to pay £750 in compensation, fined £112, and must forfeit two spring‑loaded traps.

PC Sam Davey, from the South Rural Task Force, said: "This was a distressing incident which caused significant and avoidable suffering to a much‑loved pet.

"Traps must only ever be used in a lawful and responsible manner, and in this case they were clearly not.

"I hope it also serves as a reminder that misuse of traps can have devastating consequences, and those responsible will be held accountable."

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