In a shocking case that has horrified an Essex community, a determined cat dragged himself home with a rusted metal trap crushing his front leg. Three-year-old Loki disappeared for five agonizing days before returning with his cat leg caught in an illegal gin trap, ultimately requiring amputation. The incident has exposed a disturbing pattern, with three other local cat owners reporting similar attacks. Animal welfare experts warn these spring-loaded traps are “totally indiscriminate,” capable of maiming any creature or person unfortunate enough to trigger them.
The Harrowing Return Home
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The Hodge family experienced the unimaginable when their beloved cat Loki finally returned after five days missing. “It’s sickening, to be honest. I can’t stop thinking about what he must have been through to get home with that on his leg,” Mrs. Hodge explained. Despite having the heavy metal trap clamped around his front right leg, Loki demonstrated extraordinary determination by jumping a 6ft-high fence to reach his family’s garden. This remarkable feat astonished his owner: “That gobsmacked me the most.”
Staff at Spring Lodge Vets in Witham treated the severely injured feline, but were unable to save his damaged limb. According to veterinary professionals, Loki may have endured nearly a week with the trap crushing his leg, fighting infection and excruciating pain throughout his journey home. The cat now requires strong antibiotics to prevent further complications as he adapts to life as a three-legged pet.
Illegal Devices Pose Widespread Threat
The trap found on Loki’s leg is known as a gin trap – a spring-operated mechanism with toothed jaws that snap shut when triggered. These brutal devices have been illegal in the United Kingdom since 1958, yet continue to appear in disturbing incidents like this one. The RSPCA emphasized that these traps are “totally indiscriminate in nature,” capable of injuring any animal or person who accidentally triggers them.
Mrs. Hodge’s concern extends beyond her pet’s suffering to the broader community threat. “The fact that someone’s put that down knowing it’s going to cause distress and pain to someone or something is just vile,” she stated, adding ominously, “That could have easily been a child.” Her worry appears justified, as she reports receiving messages from three other local cat owners whose pets have fallen victim to similar traps, suggesting a pattern of deliberate placement rather than an isolated incident.
Family Trauma and Recovery
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The ordeal has deeply affected the entire Hodge household, particularly the cat’s 10-year-old owner. The young girl considers Loki her “best friend” and struggled emotionally during his absence. “She’s been getting everything ready for him – his milk and his treats. She just wants him home,” Mrs. Hodge shared, noting that her daughter had not been sleeping while the cat was missing but was “so excited” when he was found alive.
The family now faces the challenge of helping Loki adapt to life on three legs while processing the traumatic circumstances of his injury. Despite the physical limitations, many cats successfully adjust to limb amputation and can lead fulfilling lives with proper care and support from their families.
Legal Consequences and Prevention
Animal welfare organizations emphasize the serious legal implications for anyone setting these outlawed devices. “Gin traps are cruel and anyone setting one faces prosecution,” an RSPCA spokesperson confirmed. The organization reports having seen domestic animals fall victim to these illegal traps “many times,” highlighting the ongoing nature of this threat despite the longstanding ban.
With multiple cats reportedly affected in the area, local authorities may need to investigate whether someone is deliberately targeting pets or setting traps for other wildlife without regard for domestic animals. For pet owners, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers that can threaten beloved animals even in seemingly safe residential areas.
