Essex: Fox snared in illegal trap in Maldon
This illegal trap caught a fox in Maldon. Picture courtesy of the RSPCA. - Credit: Archant
A fox had to be put down after being caught in an illegal trap in Maldon.
The wild animal got his back leg caught in the Duke Coil Spring Trap in Plume Avenue.
RSPCA officers were called to the incident on Sunday June 1 and managed to release the animal from the trap
However his injuries were so severe he had to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
RSPCA inspector Steve Craddock said: “These traps are lethal and can cause horrific injuries. There is a reason why they are illegal.
“This poor fox’s hind leg was horribly mangled and he would have suffered a great deal of pain. There sadly was no way of saving him.
“I urge anyone with any information about who could be using a trap such as this to come forward and let us know. As well as having the potential to harm other wildlife, it could quite easily catch a cat or a dog and cause them fatal damage too. These types of traps, like snares, do not discriminate between which animal they harm. The RSPCA is very much opposed to their use.”
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The charity has now appealed for information about who may have laid the trap.
Anyone with any information can call the RSPCA anonymously on 0300 123 8018.
