Jett the dog got his foot caught in a fox trap while running off leash in Warwick Open Space.
Camera IconJett the dog got his foot caught in a fox trap while running off leash in Warwick Open Space. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Owners reminded to keep pets leashed after dog’s foot was caught in fox trap in Warwick park

Tyler BrownWanneroo Times

THE City of Joondalup is reminding pet owners to keep their dogs leashed when in natural bushland areas after one was caught in a fox trap on Monday morning.

Warwick Veterinary Hospital posted on its Facebook page on Monday night that it had been called to “a very distressing scene” where “a dog had got its foot caught in a metal trap” in the natural bushland area at Warwick Open Space.

“Jett was being walked off-lead and was trapped quite a way off the main path,” the post said.

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“We were able to free Jett and we are now caring for him.

“Miraculously, Jett suffered no broken bones and tonight was walking well on his foot.

“Sadly though, he shattered five of his teeth trying to chew his way free and we will be needing to extract these tomorrow.”

Joondalup chief executive Garry Hunt confirmed yesterday that City rangers had attended the incident to help veterinary nurses release the dog from the trap.

He said the City trapped foxes to protect the native wildlife in bushland reserves and there were 10 signs “within the vicinity of the trapping area to alert members of the public including dog walkers that fox traps were in place”.

“There are also approximately 10 fixed signs located throughout the Warwick Open Space precinct, including on pathways at the entrance to the natural bushland area, to advise that dogs must be kept on-lead at all times,” he said.

Mr Hunt said the City set fox traps when there was evidence of “feral animal activity in natural bushland areas”.

“As the City is responsible for the management of the Warwick Open Space land, it is obliged under State legislation to control declared pests such as foxes,” he said.

“Fines can apply to the City if this is ignored.

“Trapping at Warwick Open Space was carried out by a City contractor and conducted as per the relevant State legislation.

“Traps used are rubber padded foot-hold traps designed to improve animal welfare outcomes.

“They are the smallest category available and specifically suitable for foxes.

“In this incident, only the toes of the dog were caught in the trap.

“The dog’s leg was unable to be captured, which minimised the potential of more serious injuries.

“Although this is an unfortunate incident, it highlights the need for dogs to be kept on-lead in natural bushland areas such as Warwick Open Space to protect the habitat for unique flora and fauna and to preserve the biodiversity.

“The City has informed the owner that although the dog was off-lead in an on-lead area, no further action will be taken.”

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