A dying fox has been discovered caught in a barbaric illegal gin trap with the potential to maim young Dundee children.
The Scottish SPCA has launched an investigation in the wake of the harrowing find, which was made on the city’s Baldovie Industrial Estate.
It had sustained catastrophic injuries and had to be humanely put down by officers who believe it may have been caught in the jaws of the metal trap for days.
The use of gin traps has been illegal in the UK since 1958, but they continue to cause serious damage to wildlife and pets across the UK.
SSPCA Chief Inspector Brian Cowing revealed the horror of the find, saying: “The fox had suffered a great deal and sadly the kindest and only humane option was to put it to sleep.
“The animal’s foot was hanging off, with the trap still attached, and given the extent of the fox’s injuries and the presence of maggot eggs we believe it had been living like this for several days.
“The industrial estate is close to an area of parkland and we think it’s possible the trap was set there and the fox managed to move with it still attached.
“We are asking anyone with information about who may have set this trap to contact us.”
Mr Cowling also issued a wider warning to the public to be on the lookout for other such traps, given the danger they pose.
“Gin traps are cruel and indiscriminate and will capture whatever or whoever sets them off.
“As the area is popular with dog walkers we would urge locals to be on their guard and call us if they come across a trap.”
Television presenter and Wildlife Aid Foundation founder Simon Cowell MBE has long campaigned against the continued use of gin traps.
He said they “horrendously maim” animals, meaning they must often be put down and also pose a serious danger to the public potentially maiming children.
“These traps are incredibly dangerous and would catch pets or even children – which is an incomprehensible thought,” he said.
“If a child puts its finger hand in the trap it would easily take a finger off if not a hand. Worse scenarios are unthinkable. It makes me cringe.”
Gin traps are come in a variety of shapes and sizes and with or without serrated teeth, but all are designed to catch an animal by the leg using spring operated jaws.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.