Bobcat injured by illegal foot trap found in Dallas-Fort Worth area, euthanized
A bobcat that stepped in an illegal foot trap in Grapevine had to be put down due to its injuries on Saturday, Grapevine police said.
Grapevine police asked for the public’s help searching for the injured animal on Feb. 24. On Saturday, a homeowner notified police and Grapevine Animal Services that they spotted the animal on property along Parr Lane.
The bobcat still had the illegal foot trap attached to its leg and was hiding under a shed. Officials from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden helped find the animal, who had moved into nearby hay.
A Fort Worth Code Compliance Officer tranquilized the bobcat so officials could safely move it.
They took the bobcat to the Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas where medical professional discovered the bobcat was emaciated, septic and had a heart murmur. They determined the animal would not survive surgery.
The decision was made to humanely euthanize the bobcat, Grapevine police said in a press release.
“We hope this case serves as a serious reminder that the type of foot trap used on this bobcat is not allowed in our City,” the press release said.
Police said they already had plans in place to take the bobcat to a rehabilitation wildlife sanctuary.
“The safety of our community and protection of all life remains a top priority for Grapevine Police and Grapevine Animal Services,” police said in the release. “We are grateful nobody was hurt in a confrontation with this injured and scared animal.”
Grapevine police thanked everyone who helped search for the animal, “from the concerned homeowners and neighborhood groups, to the animal hospital, game warden and animal services workers from outside agencies who offered their support and resources.”
Anyone with questions about humanely trapping wildlife can call Grapevine Animal Services at 817-410-3370.
This story was originally published March 1, 2020 at 10:36 AM.
