Central city is no place for gin traps – SPCA
As the SPCA looks to prosecute the person who trapped a West Auckland cat in a gin trap last month, central Aucklanders are being warned against using the ‘‘inhumane’’ devices.
Gin traps are a form of leg-hold traps and have been used in New Zealand for many years to trap pests such as possums, ferrets, stoats and feral cats.
SPCA Auckland chief executive Christine Kalin says it is difficult to say whether leg-hold traps are being used in central Auckland.
‘‘We just don’t know how widespread the problem is.
‘‘These terrible devices cause unnecessary suffering to animals. We are strongly advocating that, particularly in the Auckland area, they are just not safe to use.’’
There have been two cases of cats being caught in the devices in West Auckland in the past month.
The Animal Welfare Act restricts the sale and use of leg-hold traps.
They can’t be used within 150 metres of a dwelling without the permission of the occupier or in any area where there is a probable risk of catching a pet.
The illegal placement of leghold traps is punishable by up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000 for an individual or up to $125,000 for a body corporate.
Ms Kalin would like to see the traps banned.
‘‘There is nowhere in central Auckland where you are not at risk of trapping a pet. There is no place for them in urban areas where not only domestic pets but also children could get caught in them.’’