I don't think it is mounted the wrong way. Those do mount that way, or at least that is how the company tells you to do it :
http://helixcontrols.com/?page_id=48
But I agree, that is really not a good way at all. Of course an animal will try to squeeze up in there and the threads of the screws can be SHARP.
I would try to wedge something around the screws, perhaps like the stuff you insulate pipes with ? Just wide enough that there is not gap between screw and the edge of the housing. Don't use tape for anything though.