A CAT has had its front leg amputated by veterinarians after being caught for several days in an illegal rabbit trap near Wallerawang.
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RSPCA NSW is appealing for help to catch the person responsible for a callous act of animal cruelty and is keen to lay charges.
Inspectors were called to a veterinarian surgery last Thursday after a member of the public found a cat with his front paw caught in a steel jaw rabbit trap.
The cat, a black and white domestic medium hair young male was found in a back yard in the Wallerawang area dragging the trap from his paw. The caring homeowners managed to catch the cat and transport it straight to a local vet surgery.
The cat was in an emaciated and dehydrated, indicating he had been caught in the trap for several days. He was not microchipped.
Lithgow vets Michelle Monaghan and Kim Bensch said their only option was to amputate the front leg as serious infection had already set in.
The cat was given a general anaesthetic was given to remove the trap and after a night on pain relief and fluids the leg was amputated the next morning.
Despite the serious infection and poor body condition, the cat - affectionately nicknamed “Trapper John” by the vet staff - has made a good recovery.
Vet staff said that apart from being a little cautious around humans, Trapper John was a very affectionate cat indicating he had an owner.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act it is illegal to set a steel jaw trap or possess a steel jaw trap with the intention of setting it.
Fines of up to $5000 for an individual and/or six months’ imprisonment can be imposed, and fines up to $25,000 for a corporation.
A charge of aggravated cruelty could apply in this case, carrying fines up to $20,000 and/or two years’ imprisonment for an individual and fines up to $100,000 for a corporation.