Gin Trap
West Highland Museum

Gin traps were spring-loaded traps that snap shut on an animal’s limb when triggered. They were commonly used for catching small animals, including rats in places where grain was stored for bread or whiskey.

The traps were designed to cause severe injury to the trapped animal, often leading to amputation of the limb or death. Due to the level of pain and suffering caused, gin traps are widely considered cruel and were banned in 1954.