Steel trap set near Rio Grande Park

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Animal Welfare is warning people who live near Rio Grande and Indian School to watch out for steel jaw leg-hold traps.

A kitten was found trapped in one of the steel jaw traps in the Thomas Village area. Its paws had to be amputated and the kitten is now recovering under a veterinarian’s care.

The kitten managed to make its way into a backyard in the neighborhood, to the shock and horror of homeowners.

“When I arrived, the callers were in tears at how horrible a thing to see that it was,” a neighbor said.

Animal Welfare says where there’s one trap, there’s likely more.

“It could have been a child or a dog or somebody's pet that got captured in this trap. And even for a wild inhumane, it's still cruel,” said Sharen Westhoff, Animal Patrol Officer.

The traps are illegal and dangerous.

They are designed with thick steel and can cut through skin and muscle.

Once the traps are set, they can be hidden by leaves or debris.

They believe the kitten’s trap was hidden somewhere near Rio Grande State Park, a common area for runners and people walking their dogs.

Animal Control says if you see one, back away from it and call 311 or APD immediately.