By RNZ
The SPCA suspects banned animal leg-hold traps are to blame for the deaths of two cats and injuries of another in central Auckland.
It said that over the last 18 months, one cat was found with its spine crushed, one with a severed tail and another with a foot missing.
Leg-hold traps are spring operated metal jaws that clamp onto the animal's legs, and are illegal in urban areas.
SPCA Inspector Mellisa Rush said they do not want to see any more animals injured or killed by these traps.