I came across your site after doing some research regarding
NV state trapping laws.
Yesterday, I was out on public land walking my dog when he
became caught by a leg hold trap. To say
the experience was tramatic and horrific would be an understatement. I managed to get the trap off of him, got bit
somewhat in the process, but I can’t blame him as he was very fearful and no
doubt in pain. Fortunately, after a trip
to the vets for x-rays etc., other than some bruising & swelling, it
appears that no serious damage was done at this point, but I’m still very much
shaken by the event.
I looked online to see what the laws were. It would seem to be common
sense for it to be posted that traps are in the area, but it seems there
is no such requirement therefore I’m appalled that this trapping was
being done legally most likely. I’m not
against hunting/trapping per
se, altho I’ve always felt the leg hold traps were cruel, and after having my
dog get caught by one, feel even more so about that, especially after learning
the trapper isn’t required to check the trap for 90 some hours.
I live in Elko county so the new law wouldn’t help here, I
would like to
see a ban on these traps statewide, or at the very least, require that
it be posted traps are in the area and the trappers are required to
visit the traps more often. Had such a
sign been posted we would have
immediately left the area. I enjoy
walking my dog, off leash, on public
lands, but now am very wary of doing so during trapping season. I’ve seen some of the trappers’ defense of
“Well, the dog should have been on a leash”. What about hunting dogs? And afterall, there should be some areas,
i.e. public lands, where a dog can be allowed to be off leash, and well…be a
dog! I realize there are risks with
that, such as snakes & possibly injuries from running through woods and
rocks etc., but it doesn’t seem right to me to now have to take into account
there’s also hidden, undisclosed, buried traps, that can cause serious bodily
harm to either pet or human, that may be out there lurking. Short of avoiding letting my dog off leash
during trapping season, I’m now extremely paranoid of going out on public land
for hiking.
In the meantime, what can I do, being in Elko county, to help facilitate passage of more reasonable, safe and above all humane, trapping laws? If you have any advice or suggestions, I would be grateful.
Here is evidence that the “rurals” have differences of opinion about trapping. A Feb. 28, 2017 poll conducted by Remington Research Group shows the majority of Nevadans in all Congressional districts favor banning traps
Reno Gazette Journal Letter to the Editor Dec. 5, 2011
I wish to address the use of leg-hold traps used on public
lands near housing developments.
This past Sunday, my dog was caught in one in an area where
we walk frequently close to home. In trying to remove the trap, my husband was
bit quite badly. In this same area several other people’s dogs have also been
caught in these traps, one losing its leg as a consequence.
These traps should not be allowed in high-use areas. Many
individuals use this particular area for hiking, horseback riding and walking
their dogs. I find the use of them extremely inhumane, leaving an animal
trapped for up to four days before they have to check them.
Please, if you feel the need to hunt this way, make sure you
place them in an area far enough away where someone’s poor dog won’t be caught
in it.
Dec. 1, 2011 Email: I had gotten in touch with Wildlife a few weeks ago when we came upon a bobcat stuck in a trap. They explained the law, and it was about 96 hours before the bobcat was removed.
The next time out, we had one dog caught in a new trap, not far from where the bobcat was. Two days later another dog got caught in another trap. Then this morning, two of our dogs got caught in separate traps not more than 20 feet off the road, and not too far apart. A person drove up while my husband was getting one dog out of the trap, and said they weren’t his. My husband said he was going to call Wildlife and the person left the area. When my husband called me to get the name of the warden I talked to, the person returned and started removing the traps, he did not see my husband.
My husband will be going up to the location with the warden this afternoon. The warden said the traps have to be at least 200 feet off “any” road, that includes power line roads. He will also be giving the warden a picture of the vehicle and license plate.
You can put the story on your website and add me to your email. Let me know how to make a donation to your organization. I would like to help stop this
Since passage of SB364, law now requires trapper ID or NDOW registration number on all traps set on public land. And the public has the right to disturb a trap that poses obvious risk.
November 2011 email: This past Tuesday a group of eight senior hikers were exploring Wilson Canyon. Wilson Canyon is east of Smith Valley headed toward Yerington. The highway’s south side of the recreation area is renowned for rock hounding so people traverse all areas of the canyon. One of the hikers almost stumbled into a steel jaw leghold trap hidden behind a rock about 600 ft. from a nice new trailhead that was cut in the “park”.
Families use this recreational area and even more will take advantage now that the land management has taken an interest in developing Wilson Canyon and building trails. This trap finding deeply disturbed all in the group. It’s even more disturbing to discover the laws that protect the trapper. This is what lead to finding your site.
What may we do to assist?
I appreciate your efforts and I’m in agreement with the need for safer regulations. Indiscriminate use of traps is akin to navigating landmines. Our government supports freely placing injurious devices nature-loving people must risk. WOW. This isn’t the 1800’s. You know, Trish, it appears very few people are aware of the trap laws. I sure wasn’t, nor were any in our group. I have to believe when more become aware the noise will get loud enough for regulations to be updated to today’s need.
Thank you for the attention you’re bringing to Nevadans.
November 8, 2011 Email : I have been asked to send a detailed account of the time my dog was caught in a coyote/bobcat or something trap.
We were hiking on one of the OHV roads about mile or so from the end of Johnson Road. The dog was off leash but mostly staying within 50 feet of the road, just running around sniffing and enjoying himself doggie style.
As we came over a rise, I heard a horrible yelping and screaming coming from the dog. I ran to where he was, and saw he had his paw in a trap. The trap was within 30 feet of the road, less than a mile from a subdivision of houses and was baited with a small white scented piece of rag. I covered the dog with a coat and released him from the trap. He limped for a week or so, but was OK. On observing the area, I found four more traps, all baited, and all within 30 feet of the OHV road.
The only excuse for putting traps in that location is pure laziness and complete lack of consideration for any other users of that land.
Good news! in 2019 most major fashion houses and several major retailers declared an end to fur. No coats, no trim, no fur at all.
