Mooroolbark, Partridge Way neighbours rescue cat from illegal rabbit trap, RSPCA investigate
A cat has been found stuck in a cruel rabbit trap in a Mooroolbark front yard, shocking neighbours who are now on the hunt for the poor feline’s owners.
Outer East
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The hunt is on to find the owners of a cat rescued by Mooroolbark neighbours.
Horrified Mooroolbark neighbours found the poor animal stuck in a rabbit trap in their front yard.
Authorities have launched an investigation to find those responsible for the cruel act after the black and white domestic moggy was found dragging the illegal, serrated, s teel-jawed device behind it on Sunday, September 27.
A Partridge Way resident discovered the cat in her front garden and immediately contacted police and the RSPCA.
Together with her neighbours the woman pried the cat free from the snare before authorities arrived.
RSPCA Victoria Inspector Kate Davies said the pet was immediately transported to the organisation’s head office where vets provided urgent medical care.
Ms Davies said the cat was seen to be dragging the affected leg, and X-rays confirmed several fractures and nerve damage had caused by the trap.
She said severity of the cat’s injuries would likely mean the leg would have to be amputated to prevent any further infections or complications.
Ms Davies said it was not known how many days the cat had spent trying to free itself from the trap, or how far the animal had travelled.
She said investigations would continue to find those responsible for the act of cruelty.
“This cat would have been in significant physical pain and experienced severe mental distress,” Ms Davies said.
“We are currently encouraging anyone who has seen something that may contribute to this investigation to come forward with information.
“This was a horrific act of animal cruelty and our thanks go to the person who found the animal and reacted quickly to prevent the cat from further suffering.”
She said the RSPCA was calling on the public for any information to help find the owner of the cat – that was wearing a blue collar with a bell – or help track down the origin of the illegal trap.
“Residents in the local area in particular are being urged to make a report if they know of people who set these traps or have traps similar to the ones pictured in their possession,” Ms Davies said.
She said serrated steel jaw traps were illegal and caused extreme pain and suffering to animals.
Ms Davies said it was also illegal to set any leghold trap for the purpose of trapping domestic animals.
Once identified, the person or persons responsible for this crime face prosecution and serious liability, including a term of imprisonment for up to two years and fines of up to $82,610.
Anyone with information they believe may be relevant to either of these cases is encouraged to make a report via www.rspcavic.org/report or by calling 9224 2222.
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