Two cats rescued from steel jaw traps in Perth, WA

Two pet cats were injured after being caught in ‘barbaric’ steel traps in Perth this week, sparking an urgent warning.

The RSPCA has issued a ‘stern’ warning against the use of illegal traps after rescuing one cat in Nedlands, in the city’s west, on Tuesday and another in Greenmount, in Perth’s east.

One cat managed to walk home with the trap still around its leg while the other was found trapped in the backyard of a suburban home.

Thankfully, both cats are on the mend following veterinary care from the RSPCA.

But Western Australia inspector manager Kylie Green warned many pets aren’t so lucky.

‘We want to remind the community in the strongest terms possible that steel-jaw traps are illegal to set in WA, as they cause terrible injuries and immense suffering to pets and wildlife,’ she said.

‘Trapped animals are frequently found in such terrible condition that they cannot be saved.

‘There is no doubt many more aren’t being found, meaning they are dying in extreme pain.’

The WA RSPCA receives around 5-10 callouts related to illegal traps every year.

People caught with the traps – which are often used as decoration despite being defined as a ‘prescribed inhumane device’ –  face up to $50,000 in fines and five years in prison. 

RSPCA inspector manager Kylie Green (above) has issued a stern warning about ‘barbaric’ steel traps

Anyone with a trap to drop it off at their nearest RSPCA shelter. 

‘We will destroy it for you, no questions asked,’ Ms Green said.

Steel-jaw traps are classified as a ‘prescribed inhumane device’ under the Animal Welfare Act 2002. 

A man, 78,  was fined $6,000 after his steel jaw trap caught a domestic cat named Nige.

Nige’s rear-right leg was severely injured and had to be amputated.

The RSPCA runs a 24/7 cruelty hotline on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358).

The RSPCA reminded the public that steel jaw traps (like above) are illegal with owners facing up to $50,000 in fines for the ‘inhumane’ devices