A LAKE Macquarie woman whose cat had his leg severed by a rabbit trap laid in the suburbs has described the ordeal as “sick” and “terrifying” if it were to happen to a child.
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Jinx the cat has spent the past week recovering from an amputated leg after he was hooked by a steel-jawed rabbit trap, which were banned several decades ago, in a drainage easement near homes on Montgomery Street in Argenton.
The cat walked away from owner Tammy Noonan’s home on October 10 and was found whimpering near the bushland two days later.
“When we found him, we tried to pull him up but couldn’t – he had a rabbit trap caught around his leg,” Ms Noonan said. “It was septic when we finally got it off.”
Jinx was taken to the vet the next day but his front right leg was unable to be saved because the injuries were too severe.
Steel-jawed rabbit traps – which snap close in a spring action – are banned under NSW animal cruelty laws.
The use of the traps carry a maximum prison term of six months. An upset Ms Noonan warned others to be mindful as it was not clear if more traps were in the area.
She said it would be potentially life-changing if a child were to be on the receiving end.
“It’s dreadful that he’s lost a leg but it could have been a child,” she said.
“It is sick and a terrifying thought. The trap is designed to maim, not hurt or kill, it is designed to maim.”
Cardiff vet Andrew Cornwell said the traps left behind devastating injuries.
Mr Cornwell said it was highly unusual to find a trap laid in a suburban area.
“It just demonstrates how dangerous these traps are,” he said.
“They’ve been banned in NSW for many years and this is one of the clear reasons.
“It is the collateral damage that can occur.
“Not only is it cruel to rabbits, but it is particularly cruel if it happens to a cat or, heaven forbid, a child.”
Lake Macquarie council described the incident as “cruel and disturbing” after meeting with Ms Noonan on Tuesday.
The council, which notified the RSPCA of the animal cruelty, urged residents to report any further sightings to police.
“Council is concerned to hear about this cruel and disturbing incident,” a spokeswoman said.
“A council officer has spoken to the pet's owner and confirmed that the injured cat was found in the trap in a drainage easement on private property, some distance from the owner's home.”
Lake Macquarie police said there was no intelligence to suggest more traps could be in the area but urged anyone with information to contact Belmont station on 4922 8899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Herald
