Cat

A pet cat was seen dragging an illegal rabbit trap in a suburban area in Tasmania, Australia. It was badly injured and found cowering under a car along William St along Devonport late last week. The cat was brought to the North West Animal Hospital, where Jessica Harrison, a vet nurse, said that the back leg of the cat had been caught in the trap. Trapping is illegal in Tasmania under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 that says “a person must not set, lay, or place a leghold trap, glueboard trap or snare.” Nurse Harrison further stated that the cat had been caught in the trap for around 48 hours and its leg had to be amputated right away. She explained that once a leg is caught in a trap, it can no longer be saved. Rabbits are not known to be abundant in the area and Ms. Harrison believes that the rabbit trap was intended to catch cats.

RSPCA CEO Ben Sturges also said “it is simply unacceptable and will be dealt with.” Nurse Harrison is hoping that the owner of the adult female cat, which has medium to long dark hair, will claim it and take it home. Otherwise, it will be placed for adoption. The cat has already been spayed and is recovering very well. It was also in very good condition when it was found, indicating that it did have someone who had been caring for it. The cat had no microchip for identification so there was no way for them to return it to its owner. The funds used in treating the cat came from the Kevin Fund, which accepts donations from the public to treat injured stray animals. It had originally been set up for a cat called Kevin whose leg had also been caught in a trap. They are hoping more donations will come in.

The United States has also had its own share of barbaric animal trapping practices. Born Free USA, a leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, disclosed an undercover investigation early last year of recreational and professional wildlife trapping. The investigation took place in wooden areas and farms in Pennsylvania and has exposed the shocking cruelty and brutality of trapping. According to Adam Roberts, the Executive VP of Born Free USA, the investigation was initiated so that the public will be aware of how unregulated and inhumane trapping can be. Trapping in the U.S. has been going on since the 1600s and although more than 80 countries have already banned the leghold trap, it is still legal in the US. Mr. Roberts hopes to educate the public, the lawmakers, and the fashion industry and push for more regulations to put a stop to the practice of trapping.

Photo: http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p373/xorockinxo19/CAT.jpg

To view this article in spanish, click here: http://www.petsintouch.com/pnnespanol/12616/gata-salvada-despues-de-quedar-atrapada-en-trampa-ilegal