Trapping Of Cats

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30956, 12 January 1966, Page 10

Trapping Of Cats

Sir, —Two Heathcote County Councillors, Messrs L. L. Smith and W B. Laing, openly advocate trapping of cats in steel-jawed traps. This is an offence under the Animal Protection Act, 1960, sections 3 and 4, for which the penalty is imprisonment up to three months or a fine up to £lOO or both in case of cruelty, and imprisonment up to two years or a fine up to £5OO or both in cases of aggravated cruelty. Aggravated cruelty applies where the animal is so maimed as to necessitate destruction, and this often happens to cats caught in rabbittraps. Being party to such an offence (counselling the commission of an offence) is also an offence under the act. Both councillors have laid themselves open to prosecution; but apart from that, any human being, and especially those who hold public positions, should be ashamed to commit or advise such hideous cruelty to animals. — Yours, etc., FELINA. December 18, 1965. This letter was referred to the two councillors concerned. Cr. W. B. Laing said he did not reply to anonymous letters. Cr. L. L. Smith replies: “I have again read your report of the December meeting of the Heathcote County Council and cannot find the comments which your correspondent ‘Felina’ claims I made. I certainly drew attention to the increasing number of wild cats in my area, most of which appeart to be in a starved condition. I did not advocate that these cats be trapped but some effort should be made to deal with them. Further, I believe that when rabbits overrun the market gardens in the county area some form of extermination is necessary.”