A beloved family pet was snared by an illegal trap, resulting in it having to have a leg amputated.

Bex Naylor, of Witherslack, the owner of stricken two-year-old tomcat Benji, has branded the use of such illicit devices as 'barbaric'.

Miss Naylor was horrified to get a call from her local vets saying Benji had been caught in a gin trap in a field near her home.

He managed to drag himself, with the trap's vice-like grip still clinging to his injured leg, some 50 metres to a neighbour’s garden.

It was there where he was discovered in pain and covered in blood as a result of his ordeal.

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“It’s really barbaric and it’s illegal,” said Miss Naylor, 28.

“If he hadn’t managed to pull himself away he would have been killed because he would not have been found where it happened.

“He was covered in blood and virtually unrecognisable."

Miss Naylor said Benji was discovered by neighbours who immediately sought medical attention for the injured feline.

A chip fitted to Benji allowed vets to identify his owners and Miss Naylor was broken the bad news.

“I went to see the people who own the land and they were just absolutely horrified because they have livestock in the field and two little dogs of their own," she said

"The trap could easily have got them as well.”

Benji suffered a broken leg and significant soft tissue damage as a result of getting caught up in the trap, meaning the limb had to be amputated.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to save his leg,” said Andrew Wattam, clinical director of the Archway Veterinary Practice at Grange-over-Sands.

“Luckily, this is quite a rare thing and it’s the first incident of its type for me.

"But obviously the affects of it are very distressing.

“It’s concerning it has happened and I can’t see any logic in the trap being set.

" I think it’s just a mindless act.”

Cumbria Police confirmed the trap was illegal, and that it was carrying out an investigation into the incident.

“Anyone with information relating to persons placing traps in the Witherslack area or have any knowledge about this incident should call Cumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111,” said a spokesperson.

Mr Wattam also said that the operation on Benji had been a success and he was recovering well since undergoing surgery and had been allowed home.

“He’s doing very well and cats can cope fine on three legs.

"He is looking a lot happier now he’s been cleaned up.”