Jul 22 2008
Traps Hurt More Than Help
In Paler, Alaska, there’s a growing problem with pets being caught in traps or snares set for wild animals.
In the case of Andre, a large mixed breed, he lost most of the lower half of his left legs after getting caught in an animal trap or snare.
Alaska isn’t as wild as it used to be, and that means that more and more people are living where wild animals once roamed freely. According to Cliff Judkins, chairman of the Alaska Board of Game, it’s an issue that’s been brewing for over two decades.
There’s also Bo Diddley, a 100-pound mixed breed who stepped on a trap about 10 feet off a trail near the fast-growing area of Palmer in December 2007. Bo Diddley’s owner got him out, and she took the trap, left the trapper a nasty note and reported the incident to the Alaska Board of Fish and Game.
Initially, she was charged with stealing the trap, hindering lawful trapping and criminal mischief. The charges were later dropped.
Last year, the Alaska Board of Game approved restrictions requiring that traps and snares be placed 50 yards off trails and trail heads in Chugach State Park.
The Alaska Trappers Association produced a video a few years ago to help educate the non-trapping public on how to recognize a trap line and release a dog if caught, but for some it’s too little too late.
The Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue kennel in Wasilla, Alaska, works with dogs like Andre, helping to secure prostheses for his front leg (he does run on his two good legs, but having a third would definitely improve his situation).
In the meantime, I personally think there’s got to be a better way to trap wild animals, one that won’t hurt domestic ones in the process. However, a little bit of responsibility must also fall on the shoulder’s of dog owners, as dogs should not be allowed to run off leash in areas other than those designated for that very purpose.
The American Mutt-i-grees Club, founded by Pet Savers Foundation, wants to spread the word that mutts are people dogs too!
The American Mutt-i-grees Club is all about change and choice:
Changing how mixed-breed dogs are regarded, by celebrating the unique
characteristics of each one of them, and helping people make the right
choice - the choice to adopt mixed-breed puppies and [...]
The pills you pop may make you feel better, but they could be fatal to your pet. Just last year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 89,000 cases of pets exposed to human medications.
Here’s what to watch out for:
NSAIDs
According to the APCC, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are the most [...]
My distaste for puppy mills notwithstanding, I’m pleased to report that, stepping away from its reputation as “The Puppy Mill Capital of the East,” the Pennsylvania Legislature passed HB 2525 on October 8, a bill that will improve the lives of tens of thousands of dogs living in Pennsylvania’s puppy mills.
HB 2525 doubles the cage [...]
Two years ago today, my husband and I rescued Greta, and our lives have never been the same since. Sure, it was hard in the beginning–after all, she was a puppy with no experiences outside of living in a wire crate 23 hours a day.
Slowly, she learned how to relax and live in a home. [...]
October is Adopt-A-Dog month, a celebration established by the American Humane Association to promote dog adoptions from animal shelters and educate people about responsible pet care. Learn more about events in your area here.
And just in time for Adopt-A-Dog month, Disney’s new film, Beverly Hills Chihuahua hits theaters October 3. The film is about Chloe, [...]
Can anyone tell me if there is a place to donate money to Andre’s medical bills?
Cindy: I believe his bills have been paid for already, but I am sure that a donation to the Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue would ultimately go toward the costs. Thanks for asking!