RSPCA South Australia is calling on residents in the Tranmere/Firle/Magill area to keep an eye out for a fox sighted yesterday with an illegally set steel-jaw trap caught on one of its legs.

A Campbelltown City council officer alerted RSPCA after the fox was sighted by a member of the public near a former scout hall at the end of Milton Avenue in Tranmere. The eyewitness reported that the fox’s leg appeared broken and it was dragging the trap behind.

RSPCA rescue officers and volunteers are back in the area today after not being able to locate the injured animal yesterday.

RSPCA SA Rescue Team Leader Nalika van Loenen said the area has a high number of foxes and there are plenty of places the fox may be hiding.

“Third Creek runs close to where the fox was first seen and they also use the storm drains for refuge and travel,” Ms van Loenen said.

“This poor animal would be suffering terribly so we’re calling on anyone in that area to help us locate it as soon as possible.”

Anyone who sees the fox is urged to contact RSPCA immediately on: 1300 4 777 22

Anyone caught setting a steel-jaw trap faces immediate fines and a maximum penalty of $2,500. If an animal is caught in the trap, they could face charges for intentionally causing harm to an animal under the Animal Welfare Act, which has maximum penalties of $20,000 or imprisonment for two years.