Trapped! The Death of an Innocent

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On Nov. 26th 2005, our family lost a friend and long-time companion. Our dog Mitts was part of the family for over eleven years until he was crushed to death in a trap set for otters, less than a kilometre from our home.

I get a little choked up when I recall how Mitts hated my cigar smoking, but wailed something wicked every time I went to my humidor. He knew he would be allowed to run while I sipped a drink and smoked a cigar – he would practically do back-flips when I opened the door to let him outside. Not unlike myself – and everyone I know – Mitts loved his freedom. He loved to run, something that landed him in trouble with me many a time. Despite the dreaded baths that he faced every time he got caked with dirt, despite my cussing at him for running off, he loved his freedom so much he disobeyed every chance he got. He ran like there was no tomorrow. 

After that night in November, there were no more tomorrows for Mitts. They ended when he took a wrong path and got caught in a death trap. 

I know I have a responsibility to keep my pet on a leash. But almost all pets find a way to escape from time to time. And many owners release their pets as I often did, so they can enjoy a little freedom. 

Loosing a pet is heart-wrenching experience. It’s bad enough when they die of old age. But what I found when I went in search of Mitts was horrific. The picture below is very graphic, and I caution you to use discretion. It’s a picture my son and I will remember for a long time. 

The picture of Mitts caught in trap was removed from page because of many requests. Some, including family members, wouldn't visit my page because they couldn't look at the picture. If you want to see what my son and I found the morning of Nov. 27th,  CLICK HERE  

The type of trap used was a 10" Conibear. A body crushing trap commonly used for otter and beaver. A death trap!

To view a demonstration of the Conibear and see for yourself how easy it would be for a pet or a person, especially a child, to get caught in this trap  CLICK HERE

I hunt occasionally myself, but I believe no type of hunting should be allowed close to a residential area. It is appalling to know death traps can be set less than a kilometer away from someone’s home. I tremble at the thought that a young child might stumble upon such a device and lose a limb – or worse. When my friends and I were kids we often played in the location where Mitts died; there are still kids in this area who are likely playing there today. And kids are curious – even if the device wasn’t concealed, what would stop them from tinkering with it? 

After speaking to a Wildlife official on the morning of Nov. 27th, I was told that in many cases municipalities have their own by-laws outlining where trapping is allowed and where it is restricted. But the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has no laws regulating the use or type of trap that can be used near a residence. Because hunting and trapping are regulated by the Province, I believe they have an obligation to ensure it is done in a manner that does not constitute a danger to its citizens or their possessions. It's time our government implemented laws restricting the use and type of traps that can be used in residential areas – and it should be done sooner, not later. I encourage everyone reading this not only to imagine the physical harm that can result from death traps, but also to think about the psychological damage of finding a beloved pet, as I did, dead in a trap. How would a child react to finding his or her pet in this condition? A picture like the one in the link above is traumatic for most adults. I cringe at the effect it might have on a kid!

I bear no malice towards the trapper, and I’m not one to hold grudges, but I believe I owe it to Mitts to do everything in my power to ensure this doesn’t happen again. In this case, the trapper showed genuine sympathy for what happened and removed his traps from the area. Too late for Mitts, but at least no other pets will meet with a similar fate – for now. And no kids will stumble upon them either.

Responses from the Dept. of Environment & Conservation and my critique of those responses. Please take a moment to read by clicking the links below.

Special Request: I would love to have real life stories from people in our province who have experienced first hand the horror's of trapping in residential or public areas. To date I have a few but I'm sure there are many more & I'd like anyone with a story to tell to email it to me at inmemoryofmitts@gmail.com  Please include your contact information  so that your story can be verified if necessary & I'll make sure your story is presented to Minister Jackman during future consultations. 

More Horror stories! Grace's Legacy  Spaniel Crossing	Regulation Summary for Hunting/Trapping in NL	Government of NL	Dept. of Environment & Conservation Hunting Guide
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