A reward of
up to $5,000 is being offered by the Humane Society of the United States for information about a person who illegally
trapped a fox in Montclair.
The trap is a
coil spring trap, commonly known as a steel-jawed leghold. The traps have
been banned in New Jersey for decades.
Montclair Animal
Control captured the fox and transported it to a veterinary hospital.
Officials say the fox needed to be euthanized because of the condition it
was in. It had a broken leg and attempted to gnaw off its foot
to free itself.
Authorities warn
that setting traps like these are extremely dangerous – especially
in a town like Montclair, which has a lot of young children and pets
around.
Montclair Animal Control Supervisor
Michele Shiber explains, “We are taking this very seriously.
Incredibly seriously. This is not something that’s acceptable in Montclair.
There’s no hunting in Montclair. These traps are legal in other states but not
Montclair, especially for the usage, they’re basically meant for bobcats and
coyotes.”
Police ask residents to call the
police department or Montclair Animal Control if you have any information.