WARNING: This article contains images readers may find distressing.
A young cat is recovering in the home of an RSPCA South Australia foster carer after having to undergo surgery to amputate one of his front legs after it was caught in an illegally set steel-jaw trap.
Responding to a report, an RSPCA rescue officer attended the scene behind a property on The Oaks Parade in Aberfoyle Park last Tuesday and found the animal with the trap still attached and in severe pain.
He rushed the cat to RSPCA’s vet clinic at Lonsdale where the animal was immediately given pain relief, as well as sedated so that the trap could be removed.
The one-year-old male cat was undesexed and did not have a microchip or any other form of identification.
“Judging by the state of the wound, he suffered horrifically before being found, and unfortunately his leg was too badly damaged to save,” said RSPCA SA Chief Veterinarian, Gayle Kothari.
“He was also underweight and a bit dehydrated, so it looks like he has been living rough for some time.”
The cat, named Remy by RSPCA staff, has a friendly temperament indicating he was probably someone’s pet. Once he has fully recovered, he will be rehomed, they said.
With cats being the most common victim of illegal steel-jaw traps, RSPCA SA is reminding cat owners to confine their pets to their properties, for the cat’s safety and the safety of wildlife.
RSPCA SA is also reminding cat owners that it is a legal requirement under SA’s Dog and Cat Management Act to desex and microchip their pet.
The setting of steel-jaw traps is an illegal act in every Australian state.
Anyone with information that may help identify the person responsible for setting this trap, or information on this cat’s ownership, is urged to contact RSPCA on: 1300 4 777 22.
Anyone caught setting a steel-jaw trap faces immediate fines and a maximum penalty of $2,500. If an animal is caught in the trap, they could face charges for intentionally causing harm to an animal under SA’s Animal Welfare Act, which has maximum penalties of $20,000 or two years jail.
