An animal protection charity is dealing with the “upsetting” find of a cat killed by a trap in the Mearns.
The cat was found with its neck in a mousetrap-like apparatus by owner Janet Hood near Fettercairn.
Percy McPhee had been missing for two days before Mrs Hood made the discovery at Kirkton of Balfour.
“Our kitten went missing on Saturday and we had been looking on Sunday and Monday,” she said.
“Today I was out and found her just behind my house. I brought the kitten and the trap back inside with me.
“I know I shouldn’t have done that but I couldn’t leave her like that.
“It was like a giant mousetrap, a giant spring, which had closed on her neck.”
Mrs Hood is a solicitor specialising in liquor licensing and other related legislation, and believes the trap to be a legal one left out in the open.
She added: “We lost a kitten 18 months ago and we just had this one coming up for a year on Tuesday.”
A spokeswoman for Grampian Police confirmed the report had been made on Wednesday.
“We have received a report surrounding the death of a cat on the Fasque Estate,” she said. “An inquiry will be carried out.”
The force later confirmed the Scottish SPCA had also received a report and is dealing with initial inquiries.
The factors for Fasque Estate were unavailable for comment.
Mrs Hood’s find follows those of pet cats found dead in animal traps designed to snare wild animals in Angus.
Three carcases were discovered among piles of remains known as ‘stink pits’ in the Nathro area.
Field investigators working for animal protection charity OneKind made the discovery at two separate traps, around a mile apart.
They found a black cat and two tabbies, one with neck injuries consistent with snaring, according to the charity.
The thin wire nooses are often set next to rotting animal corpses which lure wildlife such as foxes and rabbits.
However, badgers, otters and domestic cats and dogs can often be caught.