A fox was killed after its foot was nearly severed when it became caught in a “brutal” trap at an east London building site.
The RSPCA is now investigating after a member of the public found the fox with “catastrophic injuries” on Old Park Road in Abbey Wood.
The badly injured animal was caught in a metal gin trap which snapped tightly around his back leg, leaving it struggling in agony.
“There was blood everywhere,” RSPCA officer Paul Taylor said.
“The metal gin trap was clamped tightly shut around his back leg and had almost completely severed the foot. There was blood everywhere and the fox was very distressed.
“The horrendous injuries these brutal traps cause are exactly why the RSPCA is opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all snares and any traps which cause suffering.
“I can’t imagine the pain this poor fox had endured before he was found.”
The charity took the suffering fox to the vet after it was discovered last Thursday and it was put to sleep.
Setting a gin trap – which is a metal device with a spring designed to catch an animal by its leg or head – is an offence.
Animals caught in these types of traps can occasionally struggle free but later die from their injuries.
Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal faces up to a £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison.
“Gin traps have to be set on purpose in order to snare an animal so this was no accident,” ACO Taylor added.
“I’d like to hear from anyone who may have any information about this trap or who set it”. Anyone who has any information should get in touch by calling our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
