Cats lose legs in illegal gin-traps

An illegal gin-trap. Photo / Rotorua Daily Post

Tauranga SPCA has condemned the use of gin-traps after two cats were maimed in the illegal contraptions.

Gordon the cat lost his front right leg after stepping in a trap in Papamoa last week.

The young tabby was found beneath a car with the trap still locked around his leg on Saturday afternoon, less than a month after ginger cat Sebastian was discovered in a similar state in suburban Greerton, the Bay of Plenty Times reported.

It was several days before the cats were found, leaving veterinarians with no option but to amputate.

Tauranga SPCA education officer Nicolle Smith said the use of gin-traps was inhumane.

"It's against the law, and not only is it cruel to cats and dogs, it's a massive drain on our finances," she said.

In both cases, the vet bill was about $1000.

Ms Smith said Gordon was believed to be a stray, but was considered a "communal" pet around the neighbourhood.

SPCA animal welfare inspector Jason Blair said the trapper, if found, could be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act.

Laying one of the banned traps carried penalties of up to three years' imprisonment, or a fine of up to $75,000, he said.

"We're appealing to the public for any information they have relating to this case, or even if they know about someone who is using these traps."

- NZPA