TWO local men saved the life of a pregnant cat on Tuesday, when they found it with a vicious trap around its leg.

The cat had managed to crawl along the road near The Mounts in East Allington, but didn't get far owing to the fact that the trap was heavier than the cat herself.

A spokesman for the police said: 'On Tuesday two local men found a distressed cat at the side of the road near The Mounts in East Allington.

Upon closer inspection the terrified animal was found to have an illegal 'Gin' trap clasped around its front paw.'

A 'Gin' trap is an illegal pressure trap, and results in serious injury to any animal unlucky enough to be caught. This trap had cut the cat's leg down to the bone and splintered the leg and foot into shards.

The cat's rescuers took her to South Moor Vets for urgent treatment. When the trap was removed, the full extent of the injuries could be seen. As a result of the severe crush injuries, the cat has lost its entire leg.

South Moor Vets are keen to find the owners of the female cat. She is black with three white feet and white belly, and is also pregnant.

Police say it is illegal to use, set, or own these traps for use.

The RSPCA is investigating and information can be passed to Police by calling 101.