A PROBE has been launched after a cat got trapped in an illegal snare in the Borders.

The incident was reported on Wednesday, July 29 in Selkirk.

The pet cat returned home with the wire wrapped tightly around its stomach.

Wildlife officer PC Steven Irvine said: “A number of years ago, people would have used these to catch rabbits.

"However, these types of snares have been illegal for a number of years.

"Thankfully for the owners, the cat was lucky enough to break free, allowing it to return home.

"However, this could easily have resulted in the cat sustaining severe injury or even losing its life.

"If anyone has information on illegal snaring I would encourage them to report the matter to police.

"If members of the public would like to pass confidential information to police regarding a wildlife crime, please contact police on 101 or alternatively, contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."