‘Much-loved’ family cat dies after being caught in illegal snare trap

Officers discovering several more illegal snares in the area in Musselburgh, including one containing a rabbit.

A “much-loved” family cat has died after becoming caught in an illegal snare trap in a woodland.

The pet was found entangled in the deadly device on a footpath near Musselburgh leading into Whitecraig from Wallyford on the evening of Sunday, July 12.

Police attended the scene and shockingly discovered several more snares, including one which had caught and killed a rabbit.

All of the traps were seized by officers for further investigation.

Police Scotland is now appealing for information from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the Whitecraig area in the days before the cat’s death.

Constable Whitby, Wildlife Crime Coordinator for the Lothians and Scottish Borders, said the incident highlighted the dangers posed by illegal snares.

They said: “Snares have been illegal in Scotland since 2024, and they were banned for this very reason.

“A much-loved family pet has sadly died due to someone operating these illegal devices.

“If anyone has any information in relation to this incident or saw anyone acting suspicious in the Whitecraig area in the last week, please contact officers on 101, quoting incident number 3158 of 12 July, 2026.

“In addition, if you have any information or concerns regarding wildlife crime in the area, please get in touch.”

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as enquiries into the incident continue.

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