Steel-jaw traps must be banned

RSPCA Queensland has long advocated for the banning of steel-jaw traps that inflict incredible pain and suffering on all types of animals.

Warning: the following images in this article may cause distress.

On Thursday 17th July, our RSPCA Animal Rescue Team responded to an urgent call for assistance by a member of the public in Holland Park.

Hanging from a tree, this poor brushtail possum had his leg caught by a nasty steel jaw trap and was in immense pain and distress.

Thankfully, our team were able to rescue the possum and alleviate its suffering.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (264 625) or by reporting online.

RSPCA Queensland is calling on the state government for a complete ban on the sale and use of steel jaw traps.

Currently, under the Animal Care and Protection Act (2001), anyone who uses a trap must ensure it does not cause unreasonable injury or suffering to an animal.

Cage traps and padded jaw traps are sometimes used instead of steel jaw traps, but both come with significant risks. They are non-selective and can trap pets, native wildlife, and even pose a danger to children and should never be used in urban areas.

While padded jaw traps may reduce some injuries, they can still cause pain and distress.

All traps must be checked regularly to prevent unnecessary suffering.

In farming situations, lethal management methods for dingos can destabilise dingo family groups, potentially aggravating the problem. More humane alternatives include the use of guardian animals such as Maremma dogs or donkeys, visual and sound deterrents, and exclusion fencing for small scale use.

Strategies that promote coexistence, improved animal husbandry, and early intervention are key to long-term success.

In September 2021, our RSPCA Inspectors were called to rescue a cat that was caught in a foothold trap on a property north of Brisbane.

Thankfully, our Inspectors were able to transport the cat to a nearby vet for immediate treatment and trap removal.

Sadly, the trap caused irreparable damage to her leg, resulting in amputation. After surgery, rest and recovery at the RSPCA, Tabitha went on to find a loving, new home.

In 2020, we received a report that a domestic cat had become caught in a rusty steel jaw trap, which had allegedly been set in a backyard in Loganlea.

Local dog walkers raised the alarm after noticing the cat stuck and dangling over a fence.

It seems the poor cat had its leg caught in the trap, tried to escape, and became wedged and hanging upside down overnight.

Thankfully, he was rescued in time, with Queensland Police attending first to offer some relief while RSPCA Rescue Officer Jo could arrive and free the cat.

Later identified as Gilbert the cat, he was assessed and treated by our RSPCA veterinary team. Miraculously, Gilbert had only sustained two puncture wounds on his foot and no other injuries from the trap.

Gilbert’s worried parents were contacted from his microchip, and he was happily reunited.

Steel jaw traps must be banned.

Animals suffer, and these traps pose significant risks to our wildlife, pets and children who may come across set traps.