http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7074076.stmThe RSPCA in Devon has warned people to look out for snares after a cat in Plymouth got its leg caught in an illegal gin trap.
Holly managed to make her way home to her owner with the trap still attached to her front leg.
But vets fear the black cat may have to have its leg amputated if the wound does not heal properly.
Owner Lisa Morris said: "Somehow she'd managed to drag herself back up the alleyway and over a 6ft (1.82m) wall."
Barbed wire Gin traps were outlawed 50 years ago.
The RSPCA is anxious to find out whoever was responsible for this incident.
Sarah Morris from the animal charity said: "It's obvious when you look at the trap and how it works that anything that comes into contact with it would be injured extremely badly."
The charity said it was not clear whether the intended victim was a fox or a rat or even a domestic cat.
Holly has been left traumatised by her ordeal and may have to have her leg amputated if the nerves don't knit back together again.
Gin traps are not the only concern animal campaigners have, as a barbed wire snare was also found outside Plymouth Airport.
