Thursday , 28 March 2024

Warning issued for pet owners: Trapping accidents on the rise

This German Shepherd was spotted by a passer by Tuesday with its leg caught in a trap. The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society rescued the poor pooch (Photo provided to the CalgarySun by the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society).

The animal advocacy group, Fur-Bearer Defenders, informs that the trapping of companion animals has been on the raise. According to the organization, the recent death of two family pets in the central Okanagan region of British Columbia is prompting them to issue a warning to pet owners to be extra vigilant while out with their companions. The Vancouver-based Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals says there has been an alarming increase in the number of trapping accidents across Canada during 2012.

Picture provided by Fur Bearer Defenders - Dog named Trinity

“In addition to wild animals that are trapped for their fur, dogs, cats, birds and even endangered species can fall victim to steel traps,” explains Adrian Nelson, Director of Communications for the Association. “2012 was one of the worst years on record for the number of pets who were killed in traps.”

It is sad to inform that during 2012 there were 16 reports involving trapped pets across Canada, with a majority of them happening in British Columbia. The group estimates however that the number is higher and neither the Provincial or Federal Government records these statistics.

The Fur-Bearer’s Association would like to remind the public that traps – including leg-hold, Conibear and snare traps – can be set 300 metres from a dwelling. Lethal traps can legally be set on private, public and Crown land.

With trapping season in British Columbia running from October to April of each year and weak regulations, pet owners are not the only potential victims.In Quebec trapping season runs from March all the way to December.

“Children, skiers, snowshoers, hikers and other recreationists need to use care,” says Nelson. “The regulations surrounding trap check times are weak, and there is no need for a trapper to signal or identify the location of traps. These devices are cruel, dangerous and indiscriminate.”

 

 

 

For more information please visit furbearerdefenders.com

Read “My Dog Was Killed in Grand Beach Provincial Park by a Trapper” by clicking here

Like the Facebook page created in honor of Pippin’s Life

 

 

Click here to watch video: Learn how to open a Conibear trap.

Read here a PDF about the 3 Types of traps, Conibear, Leg-hold and Snares

About Liliana

Liliana Danel has lived in Mexico City, Texas – and Montreal for the past 8 years. She and her husband share their home with with a 4 year old rescued Jack Russell Terrier named Romeo (aka Nanners) and 3 adopted lionhead bunnies. When it comes to animal suffering and neglect, she is passionate about spreading the word. An avid Twitterer, reader and Hello Kitty collector – Liliana hopes to shine a light on animal topics that would otherwise not get told.

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