An endangered Tasmanian devil has been put down after it was found dragging an illegal steel-jaw trap on its front leg in Bothwell last month.
A member of the public spotted the injured devil between the River Clyde and Wentworth St on March 18 and reported it to authorities.
The animal was rescued and the trap was removed, but its injuries were too severe and it had to be euthanised.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania is now investigating and has asked the public for any information about who set the trap.
Steel-jaw leghold traps were once commonly used to catch rabbits and wildlife but have been banned in Tasmania since 1993.
The department said the traps “are illegal and cause significant pain, suffering and eventual death to many animals.”
Killing or interfering with native wildlife is illegal in Tasmania without a permit.
Anyone caught trapping or killing a Tasmanian devil could face fines of up to $129,000 or 12 months in prison under threatened species laws.
Further charges under animal cruelty laws carry fines of up to $41,000 or five years in prison.
The department’s Investigations and Enforcement Services unit is handling the case.
Anyone with information can phone the unit on 0417 661 234 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
