A FOX had to be put down after it was left in agony by an illegal trap that "horribly mangled" its hind leg.
THE RSPCA is looking for information regarding the incident that happened on Sunday, June 1 in Plume Avenue, Maldon.
RSPCA inspector Steve Craddock said: "These traps are lethal and can cause horrific injuries - there is a reason why they are illegal.
"This poor fox's hind leg was horribly mangled and he would have suffered a great deal of pain - there sadly was no way of saving him.
"I urge anyone with any information about who could be using a trap such as this to come forward and let us know.
"As well as having the potential to harm other wildlife, it could quite easily catch a cat or a dog and cause them fatal damage too.
"These types of traps, like snares, do not discriminate between which animal they harm. The RSPCA is very much opposed to their use."
The Duke Coil Spring trap, pictured,is not legal for use in the UK.
The Spring Traps Approval (England) Order 2012 identifies which traps can be legally used. It can be foundhere.
Anyone with any information about this incident can talk to the RSPCA in the strictest confidence on 0300 123 8018.
