Cat in the trap: animals go missing in New Sudbury

Concerns are swirling around the safety of pets and children alike for a few New Sudbury residents.

As many as five cats went missing last year in the Agincourt Avenue and Hastings Crescent area and one resident's cat had to have a toe amputated after being caught in a small trap meant for mink.

Rachel (last name withheld) had to dish out nearly $400 to have the surgery for her cat Snuggs after he came limping home last July with his paw caught in a trap.

“We had a bit of a stray cat issue last year and I contacted Animal Control and they brought over a cage at no cost,” said Rachel.

“Once a cat becomes trapped in it, you can just call Animal Control and they'll come pick it up, but apparently someone in the area had set a mink trap out and my cat got caught in it. It's possible that other cats were killed by that.”

Rachel also contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources and SPCA. Rachel's neighbour Robin Larrett spoke with the SPCA as well about the issue as he was concerned for the safety of neighbourhood animals.

“The SPCA kind of made themselves visible in the area and it seemed to stop, but my concern is with spring coming up, there will be more cats out and about,” said Larrett.

“I don't have any issue with the cats, I leave some food out for them, but I want to caution pet owners that someone in the area could be setting these traps.”

The area where the cats went missing is also close by Ernie Checkeris Public School, and there is some concern that the traps could be dangerous to children.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has stated that while there are trap lines within Greater Sudbury, it's not likely that these traps were legal.

“New Sudbury is mainly a residential neighbourhood so it's unlikely there would be any legal traps set,” said Heather Pridham, issues management coordinator with the MNR.

“Trappers don't target domesticated house cats and people are encouraged to keep their cats indoors to avoid encounters with wildlife.”

While the MNR governs wildlife trapping, as they do hunting, the Greater Sudbury Police does have jurisdiction in specific cases to step in if someone is using a trap irresponsibly and endangering humans.

“Trapping is not governed by the (criminal) code, but there are provincial regulations that govern trapping activities,” said Staff Sgt. Marc Brunette.

“There's a set of rules you have to play by but it would be the MNR who looks after that. We wouldn't step in at the direction of the Ministry, but if there were to be a violation of the criminal code, for example if a trap was used in a dangerous fashion or used to hurt people, we would get involved.”

Brunette explained that there are certainly trapping areas in Greater Sudbury and made the comparison to discharging a firearm for recreational purposes (hunting) and putting a human life in danger while using a firearm.

“If you're doing it where it would be dangerous to other people then you might find yourself in violation of the criminal code, where it's negligent to other residents or other persons enjoying the area for summer activities,” said Brunette.