Trapping foxes and cats is one way to reduce their numbers. Once caught, what then? RSPCA recommendation is head shot. Do that for a spectacular mess of brains and blood. A better suggestion is a chest shot with the right calibre, you will have instant death and a lot less mess.

Calibre of choice, a high velocity light projectile such as .17HMR is useful as the projectile is likely to stay inside the body making the task very safe.

There is often an issue placing the shot accurately on the animal in the trap. One solution is to have a one metre length of aluminum or steel tubing slipped over the barrel. Rest the end of the tube against the animal’s chest, so you will know exactly where the bullet will hit. The cat or fox is busy looking at the shooter and takes no notice of the tube touching the chest. It’s best to line up the length of the body.