Residents have been warned to keep a lookout for the dangerous traps, usually used to catch vermin, but are illegal in the Northern Territory.

Katherine Town Council rangers found the dog on Friday near the Low Level Reserve.

One of its whole paws was caught in the trap.

The injured dog was registered and the owner was able to be contacted.

It required urgent medical assistance and council officers this afternoon said the dog was well on the road to recovery.

The public has been advised the use of steel-jawed traps is inhumane and is illegal to use in most states and territories, including the NT.

"These traps inflict excruciating pain on target animals, as well as many non-target animals including our native wildlife," a council spokeswoman said.

"Community members are encouraged to contact NT Police or Katherine Town Council should they come across an illegal animal trap.

"If you are a property owner and have an animal control issue,cCouncil would like to encourage you to contact services that are provided by the NT Government https://nt.gov.au/environment/animals and the local veterinary services in the first instance, before using these traps.

"Council also has services that can be utilised such as cat traps. Council Rangers have strategic strategies in place to assist property owners with effective animal management and responsible dog ownership."

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