By Alesha Capone
A dog walker discovered a steel-jawed metal trap in the off-leash area of Presidents Park in Wyndham Vale last week.
An RSPCA Victoria spokesperson said they received a “cruelty report” about the trap, after the dog walker found it last Tuesday evening.
“A member of the public located the device while walking her dog, and found a deceased rat caught in the spring-loaded trap,” the RSPCA Victoria spokesperson said.
“Wyndham City Council attended the location the following day to do a thorough sweep of the area to ensure no further traps had been placed, and will continue to monitor the park for further offences.”
The council’s director of city operations, Stephen Thorpe, said the council has recorded no incidents of suspected dog baiting in local parks over the last 12 months, or any reports of illegal traps prior to last week.
“Our animal management team was made aware of the presence of what appeared to be a rat trap in the Presidents Park area earlier this week,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Council officers have since patrolled the park to ensure it is safe and found no devices.
“While this appears to be an isolated incident, residents are reminded to be aware of their surroundings while walking their dogs in public spaces.”
The RSPCA Victoria also investigated after a pet cat was caught in an illegal trap near Greaves Street North in Werribee, last April.
The cat’s leg was broken and her limb had to be amputated after she was rescued.
Residents are urged to report any illegal animal traps or devices to Wyndham council on 1300 023 411.
Anyone with information regarding the steel-jawed tap found in Presidents Park is encouraged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate at rspcavic.org/report or by calling 9224 2222.
