Cat trapped in rodent cage catcher leads to urgent message from Worthing cat charity

The much-loved pet had not been seen at home in Broadwater for two days before the owners discovered the wire cage in undergrowth.

Worthing Cat Welfare Trust has now issued guidance, urging people to avoid setting traps. The cat was unable unable to escape and the trap was partially concealed by undergrowth, making it difficult to see.

The trust stressed that animals will panic if they are caught in traps and can often injure themselves as they struggle to escape.

Joss Loader, WCWT chair, said: "There are more humane ways to try to deter rodents than poison or trapping. Removing food sources, securing containers and moving garden furniture around are all effective, proven deterrents. For more information, check out the RSPCA website for advice."

In recent months, the trust has been made aware of a number of trapped cats, including one stray, now called Kevin, who was stuck in a garage for a month.

Joss said: "As a charity, we’ve had some harrowing cases where cats have been trapped, including one where a young stray was trapped for two days in the middle of a heatwave. The trauma and suffering caused is cruel and totally unnecessary."

The trust is looking for a permanent, or foster home, for Kevin. Now neutered, vaccinated and in much better health, he needs an experienced patient owner, with outdoor access being essential. Email [email protected] for more information.

Joss added: "As soon as we were alerted, we rescued the poor cat, who is now recovering from his ordeal, in our care and needing a permanent, loving home. Fortunately, kind-hearted neighbours put food under the garage door, while the owner, who didn’t live locally, was found.”

Joss added that people should regularly check garages and sheds, particularly if they are insecure.

Under current law, once an animal is confined in a trap, their welfare is governed by the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The person setting the trap has responsibility for their welfare and it is an offence to cause, or fail to prevent, unnecessary suffering.

It is an offence to trap protected rodents, including shrews and edible dormice. Other animals are also at risk of getting trapped, including hedgehogs, foxes, birds and wildlife.

Similarly, placing rodenticide poison is also seen as a “quick fix” but it results in a lingering, cruel death. This again impacts on other species if affected rats and mice are eaten by other wildlife, or pets.

As a charity, WCWT said it will place traps only when a cat’s welfare is at risk. It never sets them on publicly-owned land, or overnight, and also ensure they are checked at least once an hour. For more information about WCWT, visit www.worthingcatwelfaretrust.org