Don't let traps kill dogs

Sadly, another domestic dog has been killed in a legally placed trap set for wildlife.

Bubba the basset hound was killed after engaging in a simple game of fetch. We mourn the loss of Bubba and all the other animals who suffer and die at the hands of recreational trappers, and wonder just what it will take before the Department of Fish and Game comes to its senses and bans these cruel devices.

The kind of trap that killed Bubba - a Conibear trap - is dangerous to wildlife, domestic animals, and small children. Countless domestic dogs are killed by Conibear traps every year in Alaska, Canada and throughout the Lower 48. And occasionally, the devices even endanger children.

In 2002, The Vancouver Sun reported that a 13-year old British Columbia boy was injured after a Conibear slammed shut across his ankle - it was placed in a ravine near his home.

The continued use of Conibear traps puts all children at risk.

The wildlife managers with Fish and Game present a sanitized view of trapping to the public because they depend upon the sale of hunting and trapping licenses to fund their programs.

The time has come to protect children, domestic animals and wildlife by banning recreational trapping. Until that day comes to fruition, domestic dogs like Bubba will continue to be needlessly killed. To learn what you can do to protect wildlife from those who wish them harm, please visit www.AbolishSportHunting.com.

Joe Miele

Maywood, N.J.