Warning issued for pet owners: Trapping accidents on the rise

VANCOUVER – The recent death of two family pets in the central Okanagan region of British Columbia is prompting a local advocacy group 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.

“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.”

In 2012, the Association directly received 16 reports involving trapped pets across Canada, almost half were caught in BC. The group estimates however that the number is much higher as 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.

“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:

VIDEO: Learn how to open a leg-hold trap.

VIDEO: Learn how to open a Conibear trap.

READ PDF: 3 Types of traps, Conibear, Leg-hold, Snares