CRACKER the cat has been named as Okehampton's bravest pet after surviving a horrific injury from a gin trap.

Pet owners from around Okehampton voted for Cracker as the Okeford Vets' Braveheart of 2010, praising his bravery and courage.

The 11-month-old tabby was rushed to Okeford Vets at 5am one morning last September, with a gin trap attached to his paw.

Gin traps were used to catch rabbits and other animals until they were made illegal in 1958 due to the amount of suffering they cause.

Lennon Foo, the vet who treated Cracker, said: 'People should be aware that even though these traps are illegal, there are still some around. If you have any pets, be very careful of where you take them, in case there are any of these traps around.'

Vets carefully released the trap from Cracker's leg, and incredibly he was still able to use his leg, jumping from the consulting room table just to prove a point.

It was clear to vets, however, that he was in a lot of pain, and Cracker was checked for signs of shock and given pain relief and antibiotics, before being settled down for a much-deserved sleep.

Later that morning, Cracker was sedated and his leg clipped and cleaned. His leg was extremely swollen and he had sustained some puncture wounds from the teeth of the trap.

Fortunately, there were no lacerations, and an x-ray revealed no broken bones, and Cracker was allowed home later that day to rest his now fat and flattened paw.

Now, less than six months on, Cracker has returned to his normal adventurous self, much to his owner's delight.

Anyone found guilty of setting a gin trap which causes unnecessary suffering to an animal can face a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a £20,000 fine.

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 or Okeford Veterinary Centre.