Dissatisfied with the protection afforded by current trapping regulations, dog owners are pushing for new legislation to prevent body-gripping traps from killing more canines.
Rep. John Ward, DFL-Baxter, who authored an unsuccessful bill on that topic in the last legislative session, said he’s ready to reintroduce the legislation but agreed to wait until trappers and dog owners meet this weekend in the Twin Cities to come up with a joint solution. Ward’s legislation, which did not receive a hearing last year, prohibits a body-gripping, conibear-type trap unless the trap is five feet above the ground or totally submerged by water. The purpose of the bill is to prevent domestic dogs from inadvertently being caught in the traps.
Tim Manning Jr. whose golden retriever, Bella, was killed by a trap, said he favored the changes outlined in Ward’s bill.
“It would be nice first step,” he said.
Manning, whose family has a cabin on North Long Lake, was grouse hunting with Bella on Blueberry Bog Trail near the Whitefish Chain. The trap crushed her windpipe and Manning and his fellow hunters were unable to release the trap before she died.
The experience, he said, was traumatic. Manning said he would like to either see further restrictions placed on traps or find a way to separate trappers from unsuspecting domestic dogs.
“The way it is now isn’t working,” the Ramsey resident said.
After the incident that claimed Bella’s life, Manning became involved with Dog Lovers 4 Safe Trapping and agreed to distribute information about safe trapping at a booth next month at Pheasant Fest in the Twin Cities. Dog Lovers 4 Safe Trapping was organized in part by John Reynolds of Merrifield, who lost his springer spaniel to a trap last year.
Current trapping regulations, as modified by a bill that became law last year, requires that traps on public lands have an over-hang of seven inches from the top and front of an enclosure; have no bait and be elevated at least three feet from the ground or surface of the snow.
Ward and others contend the changes made by last year’s law do not solve the problem. His bill, he said, includes proven, effective methods used in other states.
“Get at least five feet off the ground or fully submerged,” he said. “That way we make sure we’re not killing pets.”
As a young adult, Ward said, he used snare traps but never used body-gripped traps, in part, because they were difficult to release.
The four-term lawmaker said he has not reintroduced his legislation yet. He agreed to wait until dog lovers and trappers meet on Saturday in the Twin Cities to potentially come up with a solution to the problems which arise when dogs encounter traps. He said the most frequent comment he receives from people on this topic is a request to do something that makes public lands safe for everyone, including pets.
“I’m just trying to work on something that seems like common sense to me,” Ward said.
Jason Abraham of the Department of Natural Resources said this week there is not enough data to gauge the effectiveness of the new law since it was just recently passed. The DNR statistics for this hunting season show 18 inadvertent trapping incidents, with nine of them fatal to dogs. The DNR, he said, is continuing to collect data on the problem.
Messages were left for Minnesota Trapping Association officials but no responses were received Thursday.
MIKE O’ROURKE, associate editor, may be reached at 855-5860 or mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com. He may be followed at www.twitter.com/MikeORourkenews.
Comments (56)
Add commentTwo dogs were killed in Crow
Two dogs were killed in Crow Wing County on Dec 30. Bella was one of them.
The other dog was lured onto private property by a baited and lured body grip trap.
By combining the DNR reports with ours we've documented 20 dogs killed in 2012. Thirteen of those dogs were killed after the MTA dog safe regulations went into effect. It was predicted that the new regulations wouldn't stop the slaughter of our dogs.
The new regulations which unlike every other trapping regulation exclude private land. That killed at least one dog this season after it was encouraged to trespass by the trapper.
The new regulations require baited 220's (other body grips remain unregulated) to be placed in a box with a 7" snow awning or 3' off the ground. You can test the effectiveness of these 'restrictions' by placing a hot dog 7" under your car or 3' off the ground and watch your dog. If it can reach either hot dog it can be killed by a body grip.
The new regulations required unbaited 220's to be set at least 20' away from any bait or lure. It's completely unenforceable and bait isn't necessary when the trap is placed on an animal trail. Several dogs were killed in body grip traps set in trails this year just like last year and every year before this 'new' regulation went into effect.
There is no reason to kill more dogs next year to test these worthless regulations.
Our website shows how easy it is to protect dogs
Go to our website and click on the video link. It will take you to some videos we made that prove the MN Trappers Assn. (MTA) regulation will not work.
http://www.doglovers4safetrappingmn.org
One video shows a dog reaching 16" into a box to reach the bait.
Another video shows a dog reaching through a 7" x 7" hole 12" to reach the bait.
Another video shows a dog reaching the bait in a box built according to the specifications in the MTA regulations.
Another video shows how easy it is to make a dog proof set that trappers in many other stated and provinces have successfully used for decades.
Yes, let us obstruct people's
Yes, let us obstruct people's livelihoods in order that our pets can run free where ever they like.
Dogs and Bodygrippers
While I am in favor of a solution to the dog and bodygripper problem, I have to take issue with the comment made about "luring" dogs onto private property. Your dog does not belong on my property....period! If I happen to enjoying a barbeque and your dog smells it he is not welcome to visit just because he smells something good. Where I happen to live there is a leash law and it is there to protect property owners and the dogs alike. If you choose to break this law prepare to accept any consequences. Private property does not invite trespassers, including dogs.
I can fully understand the concern while hunting or hiking on public property but there is a such thing as owner responsibility when it comes to letting dogs run on private property where they are not welcome.
Are you saying that if I
Are you saying that if I stand on my property and whistle for your dog to come I can shoot it as soon as it crosses the invisible boundary?
No other trapping regulation excluded private land prior to the MTA bill and for good reason. 330's are illegal to set on land whether the land is private or public.
Dog on Private Property
No, I'm not saying that ....I am saying you should be fined for allowing your dog to trespass where there is a leash law!
Actually many of of the dogs
Actually many of of the dogs killed in 2012 were not hunting dogs. They were dogs simply going for a walk with their owner.
muskieman, forget about fish
Having an argument with fish on this is like having an argument with Helen Keller with her back turned to your face.
He is always right, you are always wrong, end of story.
A dog never should be unleashed on private or public property. If you are hunting, you best have a shock collar on it and LEARN HOW TO CONTROL YOUR DOG BY TRAINING IT, PROBLEM SOLVED.
I can put a prime rib in front of my dog and because of training, he wont touch it til I say go.
whats that fish?
You just said "many of the dogs killed in 2012 were not hunting dogs."
yet i seen where you said there where 4 dogs killed in mn in 2012 that were reported, then you edited that out. We have over 6000 licensed trappers in this state running hundreds of thousands of traps on any given nite, yet only 4 deaths reported. Again, why is it that trappers have to change all the time?
How many dogs were killed on highways last year? Why arent you up in arms about that?
You remind me of the guys so freaked out and demanding we take away firearms because of a couple shootings, yet they support 3500 American babies being killed in abortions every single day.
the biggest threat to dogs is right in front of you, yet you look past that because it doesnt fit nicely with your adgenda to end trapping in this state.
fishhead is back out there.
Back out there lying some more are you! How many of your precious fluffies have you killed on the highway in front of your house because you don't leash your dogs? Should the cars be put up in the air 5 feet? Fishhead, did you chose your handle because you have violated so many fish and game laws?
Dogs "lured"
As far as dogs being "lured" onto private property....believe me, if your dog is "lured" onto my property because of my chickens, livestock, or children playing and it decides to take a taste of any of them I will hold YOU responsible. Granted the dog can't read and does not know better but I am hoping the dog owner does.
Yes, the responsible use of traps is bourn by the trapper and some of them can be irresponsible just like some dog owners can be.
As much as I like dogs I do not own one because of where I live. It would not be fair to the dog to keep it chained, kenneled or leashed all the time and it would not be fair to the neighbors to let it run free on to their property.
Let's address the issue
Some commenters here are trying avoid the issue by bringing up other issues (or nonsense). The issue in focus in this article is how to deal with careless trapping that's killing people's dogs. It's not about cars, livestock, barbecue, gun control, or personal differences between commenters.
Thanks to the MN DNR for keeping count of the dogs that are being killed and injured in traps. Thanks to sensible dog owners for continuing to provide good answers--even to nonsense questions and accusations. Thanks to responsible trappers who know how to target their catches, and would never operate in any other way. Thanks to every reader, voter, expert, official, or legislator who's willing to examine and address the problem, and work out a good solution.
Inaccurate Comparison
To say a dog dying by a conibear trap is no different than one getting hit by a car is silly. People don't put bait in the middle of the street and then wait in the drivers seat for a dog to take the bait so they can run it down. And to expect hunters to keep their dogs in sight on public hunting land is just as silly. The dog is SUPPOSED to run up ahead of you for scent, and yes, disappear into the brush, because the birds aren't real good about walking a cleared trail for your convenience. The conibear is designed to kill instantly, one of the features trappers say makes them so effective and humane, yet they tell hunters they've got time to get their dogs out should they get stuck in one. Here's a reality: it's next to impossible to thread a leash or shoestring through the holes on a trap when a 70 plus pound dog is thrashing around in desperation for air; and by the time your dog is so near death it stops fighting, you're too late. Can we have a real dialogue here instead of throwing out accusations and comparisons that don't even apply like a bunch of kids?
Addressing some points
Let me preface this by stating that me and my dad have both lost our dog to a trap over the last 10 years, and it scares the hell out of us. I’m not talking about untrained dogs running wild. I’m talking about trained hunting dogs that were tremendous companions to our families in the off season. I’d like to address some of the statements here.
michael_obrien states: Why is it that only trappers have to give in each and every year? It would seem that most of these issues are with hunting dogs, right? If so why are we looking to take rights away from trappers only, afterall they are only 1/2 the equation. As a person who makes much of his income from trapping I take this issue very seriously and anytime someone who is completly unfimaliar with trapping methods starts coming up with ideas to "improve" things it scares me.
Viking answer: I completely see your point. However, then trappers need to take the initiative on this and come up with a solution. If trappers don’t, that’s when a solution gets handed to you. Of all the comments here, your suggestion to alter the season opening, is the only change I see offered from the trapping side. And thank you for that! I would be willing to give up a large chunk of public hunting land to trapping only, if I could have some trap-free hunting zones. Maybe find a way to separate the 2 groups?
I_disagree_with_dems statement: A dog never should be unleashed on private or public property. If you are hunting, you best have a shock collar on it and LEARN HOW TO CONTROL YOUR DOG BY TRAINING IT, PROBLEM SOLVED.
Viking Answer: Agreed about private property, the dog should be under complete control. However, on public land you’re wrong. A well-trained retriever covers ground and remains within shotgun range. This “training of dog argument” has no weight whatsoever. The dog I lost was 15 yards from me on a public hunting trail when she was trapped. There was no way I was seeing that baited trap on the ground before she did. She was well-trained and had a shock collar on.
dvranish statement: How many of your precious fluffies have you killed on the highway in front of your house because you don't leash your dogs? Should the cars be put up in the air 5 feet?
Viking Answer: Not even sure this deserves attention, but I’ve seen the “car” argument too many times. Please trappers, stop equating trapped dogs with dogs hit by cars. I know exactly where cars are, in the street. I keep my dog out of the street. Explain to me how I keep my dog out of the field where traps are hiding while I’m hunting? It’s comparing 2 completely different things.
There IS a problem, and ignoring it or bashing each other is not the answer. We have to be able to come together.
Finally some common sense
Finally some common sense from ScottSlocum, ksgm72, and Viking. Hopefully this issue can be resolved so both trappers and hunters can agree. People should be able to hunt or go for a walk with their dog on public lands without the fear of coming home alone!
Private land
I was making these points about the dogs imposing on private land on the pretention of being "lured" like Fishhead stated. For whatever the reason they do not belong there and therefore I feel there should not be extra restrictions placed on trappers trapping their own property or private property where they have permission.
Public land is where this issue needs to be addressed and perhaps a compromise where the 220's might be allowed to be half-submerged rather than totally as suggested since I am not aware of any incidents involving dogs with half-submerged bodygrippers ...even 330's.
You are saying my dog has to be leashed on my property???
my dog can do damned well whatever it wants on MY property. And it can do so, while not being leashed, tied up, restrained, or tethered.
No one is defending loose
No one is defending loose dogs that trespass. I once lost $300 worth of chickens, ducks and geese when a loose dog came while I was at work. The dog owner was at fault not the dog.
On the issue of needed changes, thousands of trappers in many states and provinces have proven that the methods supported by Dog Lovers 4 Safe Trapping MN are effective at catching fur animals and also effective at preventing dogs from reaching the trap.
The biggest opposition comes from the minority of trappers like our dear Mr. Obrien who do not want to have to check their traps every day. That is the main reason those trappers use body grips. The majority of trappers are responsible and do not use body grips on the ground if they use them at all.
Dissagree Dems
I would venture to guess you are not a hunter otherwise you would understand that a dog hunting upland birds uses scent and mobility in order to find game. Even with a shock collar the dog needs to have freedom to follow its nose in order to find the game. Having the dog stand in one spot (which I hear you and your house dog have mastered) or very close to you defeats the purpose of having the dog.
I have hunted over 7 Master trained upland dogs and they all are at risk of this tragic scenario. Dogs dont get into traps cause they dont listen its because the traps are hidden making it impossible for the hunter command around it.
Livelyhood from trapping...yeah right! Nobody traps or hunts for survival and if they do 2 feet higher wont make them starve but it could give the family pet another opportunity for piece of Prime Rib.
I am not a trapper and I do
I am not a trapper and I do have a well trained hunting dog. I am all for sensible trapping regulations that do not infringe on the trappers abilities to trap on public land.
If you want to help sove this issue, stop the gov't subsidies to ethanol and stop crop insurance. Farmers are destroying land that hunters and trappers use because we throw cash at them to plant marginal (at best) land. More land will reduce the chance of hunter and trappers crossing path.
Eliminate crop insurance and ethanol and promote CRP!
fishhead you are less than truthful
There is nothing better than a bunch of people who dont trap telling people who do trap why they use a particular tool. As far as not wanting to check every day, there are several reasons for that and none of them have to do with being lazy. Being lazy is someone like fishhead leading his dog to a conibear after he was WARNED THAT THERE WAS A CONIBEAR SET ON THAT PARTICULAR TRAIL BY A PERSON WHO USED TO BE HIS BUDDY. THATS A FACT! And again, that is lazy.
A lot of people are unable to run any sort of productive line with legholds or snares because they have to work, something many in this state are unaware of as they only have to go to the mailbox for a salary. So working stiffs who have families only have so much freetime to run the trapline, and some of us get much of our income from trapping and to do so we need to run large and long lines to catch enough fur.
Now back to some solutions. Having talked to many, many people who run lots of dryland conibears there are some very real solutions that would drastically reduce the number of conibears we would use on dryland.
I stated moving the trapping season back a bit and ending small game/bird seasons earlier, which would help both of us.
Second would be to move to a 3 day check on snares. As fishead stated for some there are more effective methods, but due to our very restrictive trap check laws, we are prevented from using them. If this state went to a 3 day check on snares such as we have on conibears right now I for one would set very few if any dryland conibears, and the same goes for footholds.
The vast majority of bobcats trapped in mn are done so in conibears for a variety of reasons, and none of them have to do with a trappers drive or ambition. Each and every longline trapper i know would blow your mind with the number of hours and dedication spent on this sport/career. Again, for some of us this is not a hobby, but how we pay the bills and put our kids through college, so be very careful when you start thinking about taking away rights.
Another solution which I dont think would get a lot of pressure from our side would be to take a look at the use of dryland conibears on wild life management areas. I will be the first to say a place that is so heavily used by bird hunters might not be the best place for dryland conibears.
michael
rej00203
I know at least 10 trappers who get at least 50% of their yearly income from trapping. You need to be careful listing facts you are completly ignorrant of.
michael
If my dog is not barking, my dog can
run free, enjoying life, on my private land. Noone is going to tell me that my dog has to be tied up on my land. Noone.
Idiots that can't control their dog might need to, but I absolutely will not be told what my dog can and cannot do, as long as it is not a nuisance or threat and as long as it is on MY land.
perp
has anyone tried to tell you what to do on your own land?
m-obrian,
some people couldn't imagine working at trapping instead of getting a welfare card! Ya gotta take it easy on the deprived or the Lefters'll be after you like a pack of jackals.
who is censoring trappers here?
made a very civil post with some ideas for fixing this and someone isnt allowing it to show up here. who is in charge of censoring this, the guy who wrote the story about breaking the law???
My dog on my property
That is right, you cannot do what ever you want with your dog on your property! You cannot let the dog run loose and expect us to listen to you whine when it gets hit on the highway. You cannot let your dog chase Deer or some other types of game animals. If someone drives to your door and your wonderful fluffy bites them, well that is the end of Fluffy. Even on your own property. How do you like that? ROFLMAO!!!
Inaccurate Comparison 2
You sir are just wrong like a kid that you referenced. Body grip traps do not kill instantly. That is just some Bar Talk or WCCO talk. Learn how to release these things and have the proper things with you. All it takes is a piece of 1/4" dia rope with a loop on one end. You should be able to load or [filtered word] the springs on a 220 in about 30 seconds max. I'm 70 years old and I can do it. less time than that if I happen to have my hand stuck in it. Of course I don't have beer in my pockets nor am I half drunk.
Some people need to watch
Some people need to watch what they are saying. I understand everyone has an opinion. My dogs run free on our farm, they listen and know their boundaries. I agree with Mr. Ward on this subject. Sometime animals do run away, they need proper training so they know their boundaries. To some people their best friend, partner, or their "kid".
Fishead
Your as big a idiot as you were 10 years ago You may run one of the longest mouse trap lines from the comfort of your Lazy-boy but you know nothing of trapping or trappers.. P.S. Fair n Balanced... I think you still own me a beer from a few years ago :)))))