Animal cruelty: authorities investigate rabbit traps on Lilydale fence
A Lilydale woman is outraged after she discovered a bunny caught in a snare, which was tied to a fence.
Outer East
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A Lilydale woman is outraged after she discovered a bunny caught in a snare, which was tied to a fence.
Anne Maree Stewart was walking her dogs near Olinda Creek when she thought her pets had caught a rabbit but found the animal was being suffocated by a slipknot made from wire.
There were several of these traps, which Ms Stewart and Yarra Ranges Council continue to remove from the fence bordering the RC (remote control) circuit track.
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“Some loser out there is tying these made of wire to the black fence bottom and making a noose,” she said.
“These poor rabbits are running from the wetlands onto the racetrack and they get caught.
“Rabbits are a problem, I get it, but letting it die slowly is just cruel. I don’t want it to continue to happen.
“It’s a cruel and horrible way to die.”
Melbourne Radio Control Circuit Racer club secretary Tim Westwood said the group had never had any issues with rabbits.
“In all the years we’ve been here we’ve never seen a rabbit, only a few rabbit holes,” Mr Westwood said. “We definitely don’t promote that.”
Yarra Ranges social and economic development director James Collins said the trapping happened on the council side of the racetrack fencing and rangers had removed snares and checked daily to make sure there were no more.
“You are not allowed to trap animals on council land,” Mr Collins said.
“Therefore we can prosecute if we find the person or people responsible, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,” he said
Mr Collins said the club officials did not know who was putting the traps in place but they would address the issue at their next club meeting to make sure it was not a member and the behaviour was a crime that could lead to prosecution.
RSPCA Victoria inspectorate team leader Guy Gorman said deliberate cruelty towards any animal was sicking.
“We would remind the public that anyone found guilty of using or setting a non-prescribed trap can face fines up to $38,685 or two years’ imprisonment,” Mr Gorman said.
Anyone with concerns for the welfare of an animal should make a report at rspcavic.org or on 9224 2222.
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