An appeal for information has gone out after a pet cat had its back leg and tail ripped off by what is suspected to be a snare.
It is the second cat to be injured in a field behind houses in Dalmally, near Oban, in Argyll, recently.
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The SSPCA is appealing to the public for any information which could help explain how the cats have been injured.
Inspector Yvonne Inglis said: “We have had reports of several cats in this area with unexplained injuries. There is a possibility these are from snares but we have yet to discover any in the area.
“Most recently we were alerted to Leo, a one-year-old cat who had to have one of his hind legs and part of his tail removed. He is still receiving treatment from local vets.
“Because of their free-roaming nature, cats are often subjected to cruelty and ill-treatment at the hands of complete strangers. We hope these injuries were not caused intentionally.
“If anyone has any information as to what could be causing injuries to local cats, or discovers a snare or trap in the area, we ask that you contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
April O’Donnell, the owner of Leo, said: “We want to make people aware that these snares could be there. People walk their dogs in that field and let them off the lead. I am worried that a child could get hurt.
“I think it was a snare. There is nothing else up there that could have injured Leo like that.
“I went out to call him and he gave the biggest yarn he could give. I saw him limping and rushed him straight to the vet. He was in the vet for nearly three weeks and got home a week ago.
“He is managing to get about and is doing really well considering what he went through.”
Due to ill health, the family were struggling to pay the vet bill, but a number of charities have helped with donations, and Oban Vets kept the cost of treatment down.
Jean Sutherland from Argyll Animal Aid donated £300; Margaret Turner from Daisy’s Den in Dunoon gave £200, Dunoon’s Small Animal Rescue gave £50 and a man walked into Oban Vets and donated £200.
Mrs O’Donnell added: “Leo is only one year old, it is absolutely horrendous what he want through. Thank you so much to Oban Vets and all the charities for their support.”