Discovery of ‘deadly’ trap in Sutton sparks warning to parents and pet owners

The illegal gin trap was found hidden in grass and has since been removed by Ashfield District Council.

But Wendy Radford, of Cedar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kirkby, said others needed to be aware of it.

She said: “This was on the grass and if a child or pet dog, or any other wildlife had walked onto the trap it would have caused very seriously hurt them, or even killed them.

“They are vicious and illegal and do not know why anyone would lay such a vile trap.”

Ms Radford said it could have been set up to catch woodland creatures including rabbits. She thought it could have been linked to the recent onslaught of swans at King’s Mill Reservoir.

“Even though the council have removed the trap, they have not let anybody know about it and we need to know.

“Even if it’s just so we can be aware and on the lookout for any more.

“What if a child was severely injured by another trap but no-one had known about the first one. It’s better to safe than sorry,” she added.

Ashfield District Council said they had been alerted to the trap and removed it as soon as they were made aware of it.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said the traps were unethical.

She said: “Gin traps are illegal and if you set them you are breaking the law, whether or not they catch anything.

“Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal faces a maximum £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison.

“The RSPCA is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any traps which cause suffering. Trapped animals will struggle when caught and may succeed in pulling the trap from its anchor only to die later from their injuries.”