Media release

11 August 2014

Pregnant ewe caught in gin trap in Cornwall Park

A heavily pregnant ewe was caught in a leg hold trap in Cornwall Park last night and SPCA Auckland is appealing to the public for any information that will help catch those responsible.

An SPCA Inspector was called to the park at approximately 10pm to investigate the incident. He discovered the ewe caught in a gin trap, which had been set in a small paddock that contained approximately 50 ewes, all of which were pregnant with twin lambs.

A search found no more traps in the surrounding area last night and a further check today has not revealed any more traps. The sheep has received veterinary treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.

“We believe this is a deliberate, cruel, and cowardly attack on a flock of defenceless sheep. It underscores why SPCA Auckland has repeatedly called for a complete ban on the possession, sale, and use of gin traps and leg hold traps,” says Bob Kerridge, Executive Director, SPCA Auckland.

“We’ve had far too many cases in Auckland where innocent family pets have been caught in these horrific devices, despite the fact that it is currently illegal to use such devices in any area where there is a probable risk of catching a pet or injuring a child.

“For instance, we had a case last year where a cat named Thumper was caught in a gin trap and we had to amputate his leg because the trap had cut right down to the bone. We believe it is only a matter of luck that a child has not been caught in a gin trap in our region.

“We have called for an outright ban on these devices in our submission on the Animal Welfare Act review and more recently in our Animal Agenda Aotearoa initiative, where we have also called for a prohibition on the sale, possession, or use of other devices that inflict pain and suffering on animals, including electric shock collars, dog chains, electronic prodders, and fireworks.

“Now we are calling on the relevant Ministers and local government officials to ‘man up’ and ban these devices asap.”

If anyone has any information that might help SPCA Auckland find the people who set the trap in Cornwall Park, please call 09 256 7300.

For more information on the Animal Welfare Act review visit: www.spca.org.nz/action_for_animals.aspx

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