A recent editorial about the dangers of leg-hold traps concluded that laws should be passed to require Fish and Game to post warnings on public lands where dangers to domestic animals—or even children—could occur. Because domestic animals and many small children cannot read warning signs, the only sensible move is to ban leg-hold traps before another tragedy occurs.
Banned in 89 countries throughout the world, leg-hold traps are barbaric devices that break bones, tear tendons and cause great suffering in animals that find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Not only are wildlife crippled and maimed, but each trapping season veterinarians see cats, dogs and other animals that require amputations or euthanasia due to injuries suffered after falling victim to steel traps.
Don't look to Fish and Game to ban leg-hold traps, however—the agency collects revenue from the sale of trapping licenses and therefore has no interest in making changes that could affect its budget. It is a twist of irony that Fish and Game, the agency entrusted to protect wildlife, depends on the destruction of wildlife to meet its financial needs. Banning the deadly devices will take action from the state Legislature.
Wildlife trapping is a barbaric activity that has no place in modern society. It endangers wildlife, domestic animals and the public, and causes us to lose our humanity when we treat nature's animals with such glaring disrespect and cruelty. To learn how you can effect change and work toward the abolition of leg-hold traps, join our members and supporters throughout Idaho and visit www.AbolishSportHunting.com.
Joe Miele
President of the Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting
Las Cruces, N.M.
