The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a kitten was killed in an illegal snare near Banff.
The animal welfare charity was called in March when a local resident made the grim discovering at Boyndie windfarm.
The four-month-old black female kitten had died from asphyxiation.
An undercover Scottish SPCA inspector said: “The snare had no stop on it, meaning any animal caught in it would have likely died and been caused significant suffering.
“Our inquiries are currently on-going but so far we have not been able to trace the owner of this poor cat.
“We understand they will be heartbroken to learn that their kitten has died under such horrific circumstances but we are sure they would want to know what has happened to their pet.
“If anyone thinks this may have been their kitten they should get in touch. We would also appeal to anyone with information about illegal snaring in the area to contact us in confidence.”
He added that the animal would have been “extremely distressed” in its final moments.
Anyone with information about the kitten or the snare is urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
