A MEDIAEVIL-looking animal trap found at Booyeembara Park last week has left some locals calling for Fremantle council to investigate more humane methods of pest control. 

The “soft-jaw” trap was found in the Boo Park bush at the end of a sand track by local resident Talia West, who stumbled across the traps while on a walk last week. 

“I set off all five jaws on the trap to prevent anyone else stepping on it,” Ms West said. 

“An animal who steps in it could have its leg broken and be stuck in the trap, writhing in pain. 

“It could have easily broken bones in my foot through my sneakers… it snaps down really hard and fast.” 

• The City of Fremantle says the fox traps will only hold the animals’ leg and not break bone, but critics say there are other more humane options out there. Photo by Talia West

According to the City of Fremantle, the traps are owned by a contracted pest management company and were placed to trap foxes, which are a notable pest to Boo Park. 

The City insist the soft-jaw trap is “one of the most humane and successful” methods of fox trapping used for pest control. 

“They are a soft jaw trap that hold onto the fox’s foot without pinching or harming it. 

“They are also connected to a chain so the fox can still move around freely and not injure itself.” 

The traps are monitored daily by the contractor, and trapped foxes are “humanely” euthanised, according to the City. 

“The public is reminded that, in Booyeembara Park, dogs should be on a leash and people should always stick to the paths,” the spokesperson said. 

Ms West, who is trained in bush regeneration and land-care revegetation, says despite the City’s claim, soft leg-hold traps are “not humane enough” and can cause unnecessary pain to an animal once it is trapped. 

“It’s recognised that soft leg-hold traps are cruel, but if they are to be used by the City, they could at least incorporate technology to make it more humane,” Ms West said. 

“For example, one way to minimise harm would be to connect the trap to the internet with an alarm that rings the ranger as soon as the trap is tripped would be a huge improvement, and reduce the time foxes spend restrained and mean a quicker and more humane death.” 

Euthanise

According to Australian pest control centre PestSmart, best-practice use of the leg-hold trap is to euthanise the trapped fox as soon as possible and checked daily, which the City of Fremantle follows. 

However, PestSmart says the traps are not “target-specific”, which has increased the risk of other animals being trapped, and “have the potential to cause significant suffering and distress”. 

In 2020, local dog owner Georgie Dicks had to prise a trap off her pup Morris, who became stuck in a trap which she says is the same style of trap as the one found this week. 

Ms Dicks says it is “disheartening” to see the traps return, especially given Morris was on an extendable lead at the time so signage would not have made a difference. 

“My dog could have easily broken his leg and ripped his muscles, tendons, or ligaments, but luckily for me, he has thick, stocky legs and only sustained some bone bruising, swelling, and pulled muscles,” Ms Dicks said. 

Ms West says the fencing to prevent public access to the traps is “inadequate”, as some of the traps are in close proximity to the public golf course where owners regularly walk their dogs off-leash. 

“Why is it on a track that humans can walk down?” Ms West questioned. 

“It was not in a fenced off location, and it was at the end of a sandy walk track which runs off the golf course. 

“I think we need to lobby the council for the use of more humane traps and in locations where children and pets can’t step on them… after all, kids will be kids, and they love to explore and sometimes break the rules.” 

Ms West, who has over 15 years’ experience in feral cat trapping, says there are other, more humane trapping methods which would be more suitable for fox control in Boo Park. 

These include the canid pest ejector, which is a canine-specific, camera-triggered trap, or cage and box traps which can “work just fine” in urban environments if set correctly. 

“Let’s not perpetuate outdated methods but work on implementing new standards to improve animal welfare, and use newer traps with improved efficiency and selectivity, meaning the trap kills only foxes and as quickly as possible,” she said. 

“If a company is going to be contracted to catch cats or foxes, surely the City could ensure it’s done as humanely and safely.” 

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER