Cat rescued from hunting snare highlights greater issue

The BC SPCA says a cat is recovering after having his paw trapped in a hunting snare.

The society says Vinny, a tuxedo cat, was severely wounded after the trap snapped down on his front leg. A fundraiser started for the animal’s care has received almost double the SPCA’s goal of $3,450.

“His dedicated veterinary team has been working tirelessly to clean his injury, manage his pain, and control the infection ravaging his little paw,” the society said.

“X-rays, daily wound dressings, and soothing Epsom salt soaks are now part of Vinny’s routine. While his care team remains hopeful, it’s clear he will need at least a partial amputation to give him the best chance at recovery.”

Vinny’s story is by no means unique, according to the Fur-Bearers, a charity that aims to protect wildlife in both urban and rural ecosystems.

The non-profit says it obtained reports through freedom of information requests from the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy that show a rise in these incidents.

According to the Fur-Bearers, there were eight reported incidents of cats or dogs unintentionally caught in traps in 2015. Last year, there were 15. In the past two years, five dogs were reported to have been killed by traps. The group emphasizes that these are just those incidents that have been reported, and that the actual number is likely higher.

“The Government of British Columbia is aware of this alarming trend but has failed to take action to protect the public from the dangers of commercial and recreational trapping,” said Fur-Bearers executive director Lesley Fox in a report issued this month.

“We’ve been calling on the province since 2012 to implement reasonable preventative measures, such as mandatory warning signs for active traps, increased setbacks from dwellings, and mandatory setbacks from trails and roads. It is time to act and prevent the suffering of more families and companion animals.”

As for Vinny, the SPCA says he is doing well and will be up for adoption soon. It says any money received above the goal will be put toward helping other animals needing urgent medical care.