Traps and pets don’t mix

There are endless horror stories of dogs being caught in traps as they are out for a walk with their guardians on public lands in the Mat-Su Borough or at local schools. It seems that trappers are more highly regarded by our borough officials than are walkers, people harvesting plant life, people training dogs, dog mushers, skiers, joggers, or cyclists. This one user group — trappers — is effectively controlling how our public lands are used.

These proponents of trapping on the trail systems of the Mat-Su Borough are quick to refer to the leash laws and how dog guardians are breaking the law when their dogs are off leash. Many responsible dog guardians only allow their dogs to be off leash when they are in the middle of the woods, allowing their dogs to enjoy the freedom that is in the nature of a dog. Other dog guardians are involved in training their dogs to hunt or to take part in search and rescue trainings. Why is it that the rights of the trappers supersede the rights of all the other residents who enjoy our public trails?

Trappers who set their traps close to the trails or near schools need to be stopped. There should be no trapping allowed on public trails. Alaska has ample land available to individuals who wish to trap — areas that are frequented for recreational use should be safe for all participants.

A couple of years ago, I was walking my dog on a trail quite close to a residential area, when I heard the jaws of a trap shut loudly. I had never heard a trap before, but there was no doubt in my mind that it was in fact a trap. Its jaws had closed on my dog’s pad, luckily missing the remainder of his foot. He was less than 10 feet off the trail. That is how close the trap was set.

On a walk in the woods today, with my dog, I realized how many times I walked off the designated trail. There were so many huge water puddles, that I needed to go into the woods to walk safely. But I really wasn’t safe, nor was my dog. I spent so much time worrying about traps that my walk was no longer enjoyable or relaxing. Trapping on heavily used trails needs to be eliminated.

These public trails and school grounds should be safe for all users and not just to provide convenience to trappers. It is only a matter of time before a child, frolicking in the woods, is injured by a trap. Let’s not wait until then!

Angie Lewis is president of Alaska Animal Advocates.