The Queenstown Lakes District Council has expressed concern about the use of gin traps, particularly in and around the Wanaka residential area, QLDC acting Wanaka operations manager Roger Taylor said.

"I received a report from a Wanaka resident that their Burmese cat had returned home to Waimana Place, last week, dragging a gin trap. Fortunately the cat did not lose its leg but the fact that a gin trap was set in a residential area is of grave concern the council," Mr Taylor said.

A gin trap consisted of two strong spring-loaded serrated steel jaws triggered by a baited pressure plate to a tight close.

"Not only is this a potential threat to domestic animals but it's also alarming to think that such a loaded mechanism might be encountered by a child," Mr Taylor said.

The council had no specific bylaw in relation to gin traps but the SPCA recommended such a device should not be used within at least a kilometre of a built up area.

"We are happy to take that as our guide and recommend that people think twice about the proximity of children and domestic animals. In fact it would be preferable to destroy these traps and seek alternative trapping solutions," Mr Taylor said.

Other more humane ways of dealing with pests were readily available, such as cage traps or traps that targeted pests, readily available from the Otago Regional Council for a deposit.

Effective cat repellant products were also available for people who wanted to deter feline visitors. In lower density urban areas where rabbits may be a problem, poison could be used in a safe and approved manner.

ENDS

For further information please contact Roger Taylor 03 441 0499.

By: Tamah