A Newport woman is urging people to report anyone with an illegal steel jaw trap after her cat’s leg had to be amputated.
Angela Tait’s rescue cat Samson returned to their Challis Street home last Wednesday with his right front paw missing and a broken leg.
“He disappeared at about 4pm on Friday [April 27],” Ms Tait said.
“On Tuesday [May 1], we put up flyers around the neighbourhood just to say that he’s missing and if anyone knows where he is, to contact us.
“And then on Wednesday morning, he came home with his paw in the state that it was.
“We believe that his paw was caught in a steel-jaw trap because his whole paw, all the meat had gone – it was just the skin hanging there – and as he was trying to get it out, obviously, it broke the bone, and the upper part of the bone of his leg was sticking out.
“And his nails had all gone because he was trying to dig it out.
“He’s a really tough cat. He’s a real fighter.”
RSPCA acting head of inspectorate Lisa Calleja said there were stiff penalties for steel jaw traps and associated injury.
“It is illegal to use a steel jaw trap in Victoria and anyone found guilty of setting or using one can face fines up to $38,056 and up to 12 months’ imprisonment under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,” she said.
“In a case where an animal’s leg has to be amputated as a result of someone laying a steel jaw trap, that person could also be charged with aggravated cruelty.
“We urge anyone with concerns for the welfare of an animal to make a report at rspcavic.org or on 9224 2222.”
