Trapping is an inherently violent practice that is as unnecessary as it is cruel.
All leg hold traps are designed to hold a wild animal who does not want to be caught. As such, many animals die trying to free themselves, as well as from dehydration, blood loss and hypothermia. Many animals become so desperate, they resort to chewing or wringing off their own trapped limb in order to escape, breaking teeth and bones in the process.
In British Columbia, it is legal to set a leg-hold trap just 200 metres from a dwelling including a home or school. Over the past few years, our organization has seen an increase in the number of pets (particularly dogs) caught in these cruel devices.
In an effort to hold BC to higher animal welfare standards, and to protect the public and their pets, these devices must be prohibited.
Despite the introduction of various styles and sizes of leg hold traps, all of these devices operate the same way. The are designed to hold a wild, panicked animal who will fight for their life to escape. In the process, video footage has shown that trapped animals will break teeth and bones - and even wring off their own limbs. This is completely unacceptable.
In addition to being cruel to animals, traps are also dangerous. Leg hold traps are indiscriminate and have been responsible for the pain and suffering of hundreds of other animals including non-target wildlife like birds, turtles and even people's pets.
I urge you to take swift action and to demonstrate to the rest of Canada that BC is committed to the humane treatment of wildlife.
Please update the current trapping regulations to prohibit the use of all leg hold traps, and other body-gripping traps, immediately.
Thank you for your consideration.