A young adult cat had to have its leg amputated after it was brutally caught in an illegal gin trap in a north Norfolk village.

Eastern Daily Press: The cat which was caught in a gin trap in Mundesley.The cat which was caught in a gin trap in Mundesley. (Image: Archant)

The female tortoiseshell was found next to wheelie bins on Cromer Road, Mundesley, by a parent taking their child to school on January 8.

RSPCA inspector Amy Collingsworth said: 'The gin trap was found buried in her right front leg and had snapped the bone above her paw. She must have been in terrible pain and terrified to be dragging such a large piece of metal around and unable to get away from it.

'This brutal trap is the same length as her and would have been pegged in the ground so it speaks volumes about her shock and terror that she managed to drag it out of the ground and get to somewhere where she might get help.

'She was incredibly nervous when found but she is comfortable now with pain relief and good treatment and her naturally friendly character is emerging.'

The pet was immediately taken to Westover Veterinary Centre in North Walsham and was taken to a foster carer the day after.

An RSPCA spokesman said she was doing very well.

The cat had no microchip or collar and local inquiries failed to find the owner so if anyone recognises her and can tell the charity who she belonged to they should call 0300 1238018 and leave a message for inspector Collingsworth.

Gin traps are illegal and anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal faces a maximum £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison.

Anyone with any information as to who may have owned the trap, or set it, or who knows of other illegal traps in the Mundesley area is urged to call 0300 1238018.

Are you the owner do you know the cat's owner? Contact reporter Sophie Wyllie by calling 01263 513160, emailing sophie.wyllie@archant.co.uk or tweeting @swyllie