Leyland man, 58, fined after cat had to have leg amputated after getting caught in illegal trap
The cat’s leg had to be amputated.
A Leyland man has been ordered to pay compensation after pleading guilty to an animal cruelty offence that left a pet cat with serious injuries which resulted in its leg having to be amputated.
On January 9, 2026, the cat became caught in a trap on Bannister Drive and, despite managing to make its way home, had suffered such severe injuries to its leg that it had to be amputated.
A neighbour alerted police after spotting the poor cat.
Following an investigation by officers from the South Rural Task Force, Mark Hewitson was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Hewitson, 58, of Bannister Drive, Leyland, appeared before Preston Magistrates’ Court today where he pleaded guilty to the offence.
He was ordered to pay £750 in compensation, fined £112, and must forfeit two spring‑loaded traps.
PC Sam Davey from the South Rural Task Force said: “This was a distressing incident which caused significant and avoidable suffering to a much‑loved pet.
“Traps must only ever be used in a lawful and responsible manner, and in this case they were clearly not.”
He added: “We take reports of animal cruelty extremely seriously, and this outcome reflects that. I hope it also serves as a reminder that misuse of traps can have devastating consequences, and those responsible will be held accountable.”