THE RSPCA is appealing for information after a kitten was caught by an illegal gin trap.

The black and white kitten named Kitty was found in a gin trap in a front garden in St Dogmaels.

RSPCA inspector Holly Brown said: “The homeowner was horrified that a trap had been found in their garden.

“The cat was taken to the vets by the owner and has some broken toes, but is doing well.

“It appears as though the trap may have been in place a long time, as the hedge had grown through the trap.

“We are now appealing for information and also reminding people that setting a gin trap is an offence.”

Kitty’s owner Dawn Phillips said: “She has an infection on her leg, and we are taking her back to the vets every 48 hours to get the dressing changed.

“She is only 24 weeks old. She was really nervous at first, but now she is okay.”

Gin traps are mechanical traps designed to catch an animal by its leg, using spring-operated jaws with teeth or a serrated edge. The use of gin traps has been illegal in the UK since 1958, but some are still being used to catch animals such as rabbits and foxes.

“If anyone has any information about this cat or about who has put down this trap, please get in touch. Please ring our inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018, which is in confidence,” added inspector Brown.

It is illegal to cause any animal to suffer by using gin traps, and domestic animals often fall foul of the traps.

The sale or possession of such traps is not illegal, but the RSPCA wants to make people aware that anyone found guilty of setting a gin trap faces a maximum £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison.