Social media users help capture fox injured by illegal trap in York

The male fox was initially spotted with a badly injured lower jaw having been caught in an illegal metal ‘gin trap’ - devices that have been banned since 1958.

The plight of the wild mammal was reported to the animal welfare charity and to North Yorkshire Police on Saturday (January 21), prompting RSPCA officers to set a live-catch trap in the garden where it had been seen in order to safely capture the fox and treat it for its injuries.

But that attempt proved fruitless.

Reports of the wounded fox circulated on social media and as the fox reappeared in different locations, updates were posted by local people.

The live reports led police officers and a group of concerned volunteers who call themselves the ‘Band of Rescuers North Yorkshire’ to a field off New Lane in the Huntington area of the city a day later, at 3.30pm on Sunday, where the fox was finally captured and then rushed to a local veterinary clinic.

So severe were its injuries, that despite the best efforts of vets, the fox had to be put down.

The RSPCA and North Yorkshire Police are investigating the illegally laid gin trap and are asking anyone who may have any information that would aid the investigation to contact the either the charity directly or the police force.

RSPCA inspector Geoff Edmond condemned the use of the trap, saying: “Gin traps are indiscriminate – catching family pets as well as wildlife – and cause terrible injuries and suffering, which is why it is illegal to use them.

“Trapped animals struggle when caught and may succeed in pulling the trap from its anchor only to die later, which is what would have happened here eventually.”

Despite the crime, and the unhappy ending for the fox, inspector Edmond was full of praise for those who helped track down the injured animal as he described how the fox was eventually caught.

He said: “This was a real team effort to get help for this poor fox.

“The public, North Yorkshire Police and Vets4Pets were brilliant.

“We had lots of reports coming in about where the fox was, particularly via social media, and eventually it paid off.

“Despite still being very active, the fox became tangled in some bushes and the volunteers and police officers were able to capture him and take him to the vets.

“The enormous metal trap was clamped tightly shut around his lower jaw causing horrendous injuries. His jaw was broken and it was literally hanging on by the skin. He was put to sleep to end his suffering.”

The inspector added: “I want to hear from anyone who may have any information on the RSPCA inspector appeal line 0300 123 8018. Ask to leave a message for me.”

A gin trap is a metal, spring-operated device designed to catch an animal by the leg or head. The setting and using of a gin trap is an offence.

Anyone with information that could assist the police investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police via 101 and ask for PC Ruth Atkins or York Police, quoting reference number 12170012374.