LEYLAND MAN FINED AFTER TRAP CAUSES CAT TO LOSE LEG
After completing an investigation, officers from the South Rural Task Force of Lancashire Constabulary detained Mark Hewitson.He was later formally charged with inflicting unnecessary suffering on a protected animal and utilizing an animal trap in a manner not approved by regulations.
During the court proceedings, he pleaded guilty to the charges, resulting in a fine and a requirement to pay compensation to the owner of the family cat.
The unnamed pet was caught in the trap on January 9, 2026, suffering injuries so severe that its leg needed to be amputated upon its return home.
Hewitson’s conviction stemmed from his deployment of an unlawful trap that inflicted serious harm on a pet cat.
PC Sam Davey described the incident as distressing, highlighting that it caused needless suffering, and underscored that traps should be used only in a lawful and responsible manner.
