RSPCA of SA Inc

Man injures neighbour’s dog with cruel steel jaw trap

Mr. Bradley Wennan of Salisbury North was today found guilty of setting four illegal steel jaw traps, one of which trapped and injured a dog. On the 31^st of March this year the RSPCA received a report from an owner whose Maltese-Lhasa Apso cross had been caught in a steel trap set by their next door neighbour.

The dog, 14 month old ‘Misha’ had had her leg crushed by one of the barbaric traps. Thankfully her owners were able to immediately free their pet, however she required immediate vet treatment and sustained severe tissue damage.

RSPCA attended the scene and on further investigation discovered four of the extremely dangerous steel jaw traps. Mr.Wennan claims he was attempting to catch feral cats with the traps, which is also illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

In Elizabeth Magistrate’s court, Magistrate Harrop charged Mr.Wennan with 4 counts of unlawfully setting a leg hold steel jaw trap and one count of ill treating an animal by trapping it. He was also fined a total of $1900 which included payment for Misha’s vet treatment.

Aimee McKay, RSPCA Spokesperson:

‘The RSPCA reminds the public that just setting a steel jaw trap is illegal, with further charges laid should you trap any animal. Steel jaw traps are barbaric, cruel and unnecessary considering the many humane alternatives. If you have a feral cat problem, the RSPCA, and various other organizations stock humane cat cages, which are next to nothing to hire.’

‘This is the second case of its kind that has been finalized in court in the past month. In both cases an animal was badly injured. Both prosecutions highlight how much damage these traps can do. The Society asks you to use common sense and get rid of these old, brutal traps and save yourself a trip to court, thousands of dollars in fines, and possibly, an innocent animal’s life’

4 comments September 18th, 2008

An Evening with the RSPCA

As part of the 2008 Awareness Week the RSPCA is holding its annual ‘Evening With the RSPCA.’

Come along and meet our dedicated team of Animal Inspectors and Rescue Officers.

Find out what a jam packed day in the life of an RSPCA Inspector contains, hear about investigations, rescues and how changes to the laws that govern animal welfare in South Australia will further empower the Society to protect ‘all creatures great and small’.

Last years Evening with the RSPCA was a great success, giving members of the public an excellent insight into the complex workings of the organisation, and the many ways in which we prevent and punish animal cruelty in SA. It also gives guests opportunity to voice their opinion on the way the Society operates, and enables them to ask questions specific to their own situation, and concerns.

Inspectors and Rescue Officers are on hand to answer a myriad of questions, with Lonsdale Shelter Manager Jackie Horton, with her four footed friend Cherry working the audience. Jackie and Cherry also give both an educational and entertaining presentation on interpreting dog body language and behaviour.

If you’re a donor and/or member of the RSPCA, ‘An Evening with the RSPCA’ offers a unique in depth insight into where you money goes and the organization you support.

We hope to see you there!

When: Friday 3rd October 7pm – 10.30pm

Where: Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, FULLARTON,

Tickets: $5 per person.

Bookings essential, for tickets please phone Pam on 8231 7238.

3 comments September 2nd, 2008