Owner Frees Bailey From Trap
Told in person May 24, 2014
Cindy Potter’s dog, Bailey, was with the family on a hunting trip, Fall of 2013. Bailey was running ahead and stepped into a trap which Mr. Potter managed to open.
Lucy Trapped Near Sunrise Pass
SUCCESS STORY:
Told in person by American Red Cross Dog First Aid Instructor, Peggy Rew
Nevada Humane Society volunteers Linda and Mark Scheffel took the dog class in October, 2010 and wanted to share this report:
Walking in the Sunrise Pass area, our dog, Lucy became ensnared in animal trap. But thanks to your Dog First Aid Class, we were able to successfully free her from the trap. She was very unhappy, but calmed down immediately with the Creative Muzzling Techniques we learned.
We used my husband’s belt to muzzle her and were able to free her from the trap without a scratch. Thank Goodness! This experience alone is well worth the time and cost of the class.
Would you know what to if your dog gets caught in a leg trap? Simple, but effective creative muzzling techniques for your own pet will give you time to resolve the situation.
Your Northern Nevada ARC Chapter has offered classes since 2008 and is one of only a handful of chapters that offer them. Classes are ongoing, so contact Peggy Rew for information.
Rew will travel to your group for classes or for demos at special events or programs.
775.626.0982 or [email protected] or www.rewcrew.com
Dog Illegally Trapped In Congested Area
Personal Email Nov. 29, 2014
My dog just got caught in a leghold trap just outside of Silver Knolls, on Red Rock Road. Fortunately I was able to extract her with no serious injury. I contacted the Sheriff’s office and am waiting for a possible call back. If you have any other advice regarding steps I should take, please let me know.
This occurred on BLM open space, within 15 feet of a heavily travelled ATV / foot path, where dog walking is common. At least some of the traps that were set along this trail were well within the ½ mile “congested space buffer zone” within which Washoe County does not allow shooting or trapping. Additionally, the traps appeared to be baited with wool, which as I understand it is not allowed.
A warden did come out and examine the traps. He confirmed that at least some of them were placed within the congested area where they are not permitted, and in addition, the trapper was baiting them in a way that is not permitted. So the warden is going to keep checking and see if he can catch the person returning to check the traps, but of course this is a bit of a long shot. Too bad about no registration on the traps, it seems like such an obvious thing.. John D. Boone
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.
“Tank” Trapped Near Dayton Valley
Told in Person February 16,2015
Back right leg of our dog, “Tank.” It shows pretty clearly the marking left by the trap he was caught in.
My husband and I live in the country above Dayton Valley and have three dogs. We have always been in the custom (and still do), of letting our dogs out each day – one, by one. The dogs usually just snoop around our property, marking their ‘territories,’ and then come home.
One day about two years ago, we had let “Tank” out as usual. But, for some reason, this time when we let him out, he didn’t come right back [why he went exploring or chasing something up in the hills is still beyond me. He usually doesn’t go far to explore like his mother does].
We waited patiently, but no dog. I cried and cried, but after the first day he was gone, I became so worried he was either caught by a mountain lion or even a coyote. It didn’t even occur to me of his being caught in a trap………..
When the second day went by I still couldn’t stop crying. I was sooooooooo worried. I kept looking out the front window in the hopes of seeing him – to no avail.
Then, just before dusk, exactly 48 hours when we’d last seen him, I looked out the window for the 100th time (or so it seemed), and I had to take a second look as there was “Tank!” He came home and wasn’t putting any weight on his back rear leg. I cannot tell you how thankful my husband and I were. I thought for sure we’d seen the last of him…………………
By the look of the wound on his leg, I assumed it was from a trap. He could never have gotten out of that trap unless the trapper had humanely let him go. There’s no other explanation.
I feel strongly there are traps still being placed up in the valley below the Virginia Range for possible coyotes but have no proof as I’ve never seen one in person
.- Bonnie Matton
Body Crushing Traps By Carson River
Told in Person March 10, 2015
I met with an officer from NDOW this morning, and showed him where the traps are. They are set legally. He was understanding of my concern for safety.
Here goes on what happened.
On March 7th around 3pm I took my dog to the Carson River just off of Hwy 395 before Stephanie Lane. We took the trail to the left to go where the river is a bit shallow. My dog ran to the water, with me trailing behind. I got to the bank, and saw what looked like a wood stake with something around it. There was some debris piled around it. I wasn’t sure what was there, so I was poking it with a stick, and it snapped. I jumped! It scared me, especially thinking about the fact by dog had been right next to it a couple of times.
I went back to my car, since I had left my phone there. I called Douglas County Sheriff to ask about traps. They referred me to NDOW, and gave me the number. I called and left a message. I wanted to take a picture of the trap, and the location, so I went back down. I took the picture, and thought I’ll go upstream where there isn’t debris by the edge of the river. We went upstream about 25-30 yards, and all was good. There is a downed tree with some water around it out of the river. My dog heard something there, and was in the water going toward a log, I looked at where he was, and there was anouther trap on the log. I got him out of the water by throwing a stick into the river. I poked at the trap, afraid he would go back where it was. I took a picture of that trap, texted my husband, and left. I was afraid to stay down there, for fear that he would get into a trap that I didn’t see.
This is a place that several people take their dogs, and families. It frightens me to think what would happen if a pet, or a child was to get into one of these traps. The officer from NDOW said conibear traps are quite deadly for the animals that get into them.
I no longer feel that it is safe to take my dog to the one place that we have gone several time a week for the past few years, weather permitting. Traps are not safe anywhere near civilization. I also think that they should be visited every 24-36 hours at a maximum.
-Kathi P.
A useful guide to dealing with these “Conibear” or “Body-Gripping traps.
The heartbreaking result of most pet-Conibear encounters.
