Warkworth residents are concerned for the safety of their pets. There have multiple instances of cats being injured after being caught in gin traps.

Leg-hold traps, otherwise known as gin traps, have metal jaws designed to catch and hold an animal by a limb, usually the leg or foot. Gin traps cause injury and distress to the trapped animal, unnecessary suffering if they're held in the trap too long or if injured animals escape.

Traps set in residential areas also increase the risk of injury to pet cats and dogs, as we are seeing around Warkworth. The use of leg-hold traps is restricted to protect pets. However, these restrictions are not deterring some. The regulations state that no leg-hold trap may be used within 150 metres of a dwelling without the permission of the occupier, or in any area where there is a probable risk of catching a pet animal.

One poor family have had two beloved pets caught in these traps, resulting in the amputation of one's leg, and unfortunate euthanisation of the other as its injuries were too severe.

These two cats were caught in gin traps behind the public path along Browns Road in Warkworth.

The police have been contacted on this issue, and they advised the family to contact the council.

If you have pets and are near the river, please make an effort to look out for traps and if you see anyone placing them contact the police.