The use of an illegal animal trap in Nassau County, New York has prompted the Nassau County SPCA to issue a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for placing the trap in Port Washington, New York.

Humanely euthanized due to injuries

A 10-year-old feral cat was found June 23 dragging the trap near Stony Hallow Lane. Even with emergency veterinary treatment, she had to be humanely euthanized.

Nassau County SPCA issued a statement on their Facebook community page stating

“The Nassau County SPCA is offering this reward because it feels someone knows who placed the leg trap that caused this helpless cat such trauma. We feel that it is necessary to use every available tool in fighting animal cruelty to ensure that the abusers face the maximum penalty under the law!”

In New York State, humane traps should be checked either every 24 hours or 48 hours depending on the region and the trap. Most feel the illegal traps should be outlaws and manufacturing cease because it’s a slow cruel death, either from the injuries suffered or the stress of being trapped.

Some are criticizing the cat being euthanized from a leg injury and say it could have survived if given more thorough treatment. Others are upset an organization that’s set up to help animals has put a bounty on a hunter who was most likely trying to trap something other than a cat. But an illegal trap is an illegal trap and should not have been used, regardless.

If you have any information please call the Animal Cruelty Stoppers Hotline: 516-THE-SPCA. All calls will be kept confidential.

Elisa