Worcester man charged, skunk euthanized after getting caught illegal trap

WORCESTER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A Worcester man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after a skunk was caught in a trap placed in the man's yard.

The MSPCA-Angell says Dennis Duval will be arraigned on Oct. 23 for the Aug. 15 incident that gravely wounded the young male skunk.

Duval is accused of setting what is known as a "leg-hold" trap designed to snap shut when an animal steps into it. A spokesperson for MSPCA-Angell says a skunk caught in the trap attempted to chew off its front right leg in an attempt to escape. The skunk was later euthanized.

Officials say the traps were banned in 1996 and using them is a felony offense.

Duval faces up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine if found guilty of felony animal cruelty.

Cox Media Group