Trapper Jane

Trapper Jane

Cat Rescued from Leg-hold Trap in Golden Valley –
Receives Treatment at Nevada Humane Society

On Sunday, August 22, 2010 another cat was found in a leg-hold trap, this time in Golden Valley. Now named Trapper Jane, the two-year-old black and white domestic feline, was caught in a leg hold trap and picked up by a Washoe County Animal Services Officer. After being treated at a local veterinary clinic and finishing the five-day legal hold period for stray pets, she was transferred to Nevada Humane Society on August 29.

Trapper Jane amputation surgery

Her crushed toes were amputated Sunday morning at the NHS clinic and she will be under veterinarian care at NHS for the next month. Her recovery will require ongoing wound care and pain management, but she should in time be able to walk and become available for adoption.

“Trapper Jane is a very outgoing, friendly, lovable cat, in spite of her ordeal.” said Kimberly Chandler of Nevada Humane Society.

Trapper John recovering from a night trapped in the river.

Five months ago, another cat was caught in a leg-hold trap in Cottonwood Park. This cat, later named Trapper John, was discovered partially submerged in water and struggling to free himself from the trap. Though hypothermic and injured by the trap, Trapper John was saved by NHS veterinarians.

The Trapper John incident prompted public outcry over the use of leg-hold traps. The Washoe County Commission and the Washoe County Wildlife Advisory Board have both held public hearings on the issue. The Wildlife Advisory Board postponed a decision on a proposal to restrict the use of leg-hold traps in congested areas of Washoe County while TrailSafe, a local non-profit, and the Nevada Trappers Association work toward a resolution that is agreeable to both.

Nevada Humane Society appreciates donations toward the veterinary care and treatment for Trapper Jane. NHS is located at 2825 Longley Lane in Reno and is open for adoptions daily from 11:00 a.m. until 6:30 and an hour earlier on Saturdays from 10:00 am. To make a donation or obtain more information, visit www.nevadahumanesociety.org or call 775-856-2000.

High resolution photos are available upon request.

About Nevada Humane Society: Nevada Humane Society is a non-profit, charitable, no-kill shelter with a no-kill community goal. NHS works to find homes and provide care for homeless animals. Our work is made possible by donations.

Trapper Jane was adopted by Trish Swain, TrailSafe Director, Oct. 8, 2010. TJ can best be described as a nonstop love bug who, thankfully, regained full cat agility and found a job as TrailSafe mascot.

Trapper Jane living the good life ever since her ordeal
Woodrow

Woodrow

It was December 23, 2013, the first day of what we planned to be a three-week camping trip. I was with my 12-pound poodle, Woodrow, and a friend. We were hiking the Mormon Mountains near Las Vegas to see the petroglyphs. We parked by the wash and hiked about ten feet when I heard Woodrow screaming. His right front paw was in a trap. I tried desperately to free him although he was biting me and there was blood everywhere. I realized much of the blood was mine – from the bites and from my struggles with the trap. I examined the device as calmly as I could and reasoned I was at least as intelligent as whomever set it. So I managed to open it and we took Woodrow to the nearest veterinarian which was in Mesquite. Woodrow couldn’t walk for the first day, but he did recover and we continued our trip. He was nervous and hesitant – whereas he had not been nervous before he got trapped. I called Nevada Dept. of Wildlife (NDOW) and was told sorry, but they couldn’t do anything because the trap was legally set. “Thank you for sharing our story. It was the most horrific and helpless feeling, seeing my little dog writhing and screaming in pain. He was fortunate enough to have me there to release him from the torture, but so many animals don’t have that good fortune. They are instead left to suffer for days until the trapper puts them out of their misery with a shot to the head. I don’t understand how this cruelty is legal in what is touted to be a civilized society.” -Woodrow’s Proud Mom, Sonja Mills Told in person Feb. 22, 2014.