Tracey Leske found much-loved family pet Darryl, 3, with the trap still attached to his mangled left front leg.

“It’s terrible, to see his foot, it was just completely mashed, completely crushed with maggots and everything through it,” the Baden Powell Drive resident said. 

“He’s picked it up from somewhere and dragged it all the way home.”

Ms Leske said she now feared for other pets and children in the neighbourhood.

“I never expected it because they’ve been outlawed for years, they’re highly illegal,” she said. Vets were forced to amputate the remains of Darryl’s leg and the resilient black cat is now trying to adjust to life with three legs. 

“There is no way known we could have put him down, no way,” Ms Leske said.

RSPCA Victoria inspectorate manager Allie Jalbert said those found setting a steel jaw trap could face up to 24 months in prison and fines of up to $75,000.

“RSPCA Victoria is extremely distressed that some members of the community are still setting these traps with the clear intention of trapping and inflicting pain and suffering on an animal,” she said. 

“RSPCA Victoria does not tolerate the deliberate act of setting a steel jaw trap and will prosecute anyone found guilty of doing so. Unfortunately we are seeing hundreds of cases of animal cruelty each year in Victoria arising from the use of traps.

“Many people do not know that it is also illegal to purchase one of these traps unless you can prove you are a museum or antiques collector. Just the act of setting a trap is a cruelty offence.”

Moyne Shire manager of environment and regulatory services Robert Gibson said so far the incident was an isolated case. 

“It’s not a common occurrence,” he said. 

“It’s an isolated case. They are illegal and they are cruel, that’s why they’re illegal.”

Reports of illegal traps can be made to the RSPCA on 9224 2222 or via the website www.rspcavic.org