Warning after cat snared at Walsall allotment site

The tabby female cat, which is believed to be about two-years-old, was caught by its neck in a Fenn trap at Delves Green Road Allotments in Walsall, which an animal welfare group says was set illegally.

Allotment holder Helena Lubkowski helped to free the animal and took it to Hillman Vets, in Lichfield Street, where it is recovering but the cat's owner is yet to be found.

Jaine Wild, secretary of the National Anti Snaring Campaign, which campaigns against the sale and manufacture of animal snares in the UK, said she was 'horrified' and a child could have easily been caught in the trap.

She said: "Fenn traps are normally only used by gamekeepers. They are usually put in a tunnel or box to catch stoats, weasels or rats.

"This is one which was illegally placed out in the open in the allotment.

"The cat had its neck stuck in it. We are horrified that someone has set this trap and called police after we were contacted about it.

"A human could have been caught in it. It would have been absolutely painful for the animal."

Mrs Lubkowski, aged 57, of the Yew Tree Estate in Walsall, said she came across the injured animal whilst visiting her allotment at about 1pm on Monday.

She said: "Someone came across to me to tell me they had seen the cat with a trap on its head.

"We had to take a pipe and jam the trap open to stop it snapping back. I thought it would be really badly injured and took it to the vets. I thought it was going to die.

"It's absolutely horrific. I can't believe anyone would do such a thing. Children go to the allotments and a child could have easily have gotten their foot caught in there."

Jacky Hands, practice manager at Hillman Vets, said the animal had been given pain relief and was being kept under observation.

She said: "She's lucky to be alive.

"We still don't know is she will have her sight. She's been poorly for a couple of days and one of her eyes is badly injured.

"She hasn't got a microchip or collar and we would like to find her owner."

Walsall Council leader Mike Bird, said: "We have been contacted by the Anti-Snaring Society with regards to concerns about the methods of pest control being used at one of our allotment sites in Delves Green Road.

"In light of this officers will be writing to a nominated representative from each site asking them to remind all allotment holders of their responsibilities with regards to pest control.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people that the council's environmental health team offers a pest control service which can be contacted on 01922 653366."

Call the vets on 01922 725787.