Truth about traps and their safe use

With reference to the poor cat that was caught in a trap (Owner Issues Warning After Cat’s Trap Ordeal, KE, February 18), the trap is in fact a Fenn trap, they come in two sizes and can be used for squirrels, rats, stouts or weasels by pest control officers or gamekeepers to protect bird eggs. The mk6 is for mink and rabbits as well. They are certainly not big enough for foxes.

I would only use them possibly for squirrels in a loft space of a house or other building. They should be well secured so they can’t be carried off if the animal hasn’t died and checked within seven days of putting them down by law. Anybody using them outside has to be sure they are well covered and protected so accidents like this do not happen.

Unfortunately these traps can be bought by anyone and not everyone is careful or has the common sense to use them properly. Graeme Marshall Pest control officer, South Ashford