A disturbing trend of trapping in Calgary has culminated in another frightening incident. According to resident Brenda Willy, a rabbit dragged a two-foot chain and stake from a leg-hold trap, fastened to his front, right paw last weekend. “I was cleaning in the back and I heard this ‘clink, clink, clink,’ sound coming from down …
A marketing magazine has published an article suggesting that the concept of sustainability and ‘green’ choices is making fur popular amongst Generation Y. The irony is palatable.
It’s called a wolf management plan. It’s really a policy that protects the ability of hunters, trappers, ranchers and just about anyone else to kill as many wolves as often as they can.
The Management Plan for the Grey Wolf was released on April 17, 2014, just before the Easter holiday. After months of attempts to uncover the plan by traditional media and advocates, it is clear what the government was trying to keep out of the public’s eye.
It’s easy to say that a wild animal went mad and decided to start attacking. It’s harder to say you’re not sure – and that’s the approach a representative of WildSafeBC is taking. After a spate of sightings and conflicts between bobcats and domestic dogs in the Squamish area, CBC spoke with Meg Toom, a …
WildSafeBC asks the right questions in bobcat conflict Read More »
A beaver was released near his home after a Conservation Officer found him wrapped in a snare trap in Prince George. The Conservation Officer told Global News that the beaver was caught in an illegal snare trap in a residential area. The question we must ask is: why was the trap deemed illegal?
In the small town of Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, a coyote was sighted near a school. And that's it for the story. At the end of the school day, children went home, and apparently so did the coyote. Yet this non-event still led to an article in a local newspaper. The harrowing account of someone …
Pappas Furs, a long-time Vancouver furrier, has closed. Opened 100 years ago, it stood as an “icon” for the fur trade and Canada’s rugged past. Fortunately, that rugged past is just that: past. A recent article in The Vancouver Sun outlines the storied history of Pappas Fur during its final days. The “growth” of the …
Industry says fur is back – store closure says otherwise Read More »
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: fashion is cyclical. The rapid rise of fur prices in recent years was disheartening for us and our supporters. But the perfect storm of higher temperatures and lowering spending trends means one thing – fur is on the outs in China. According to an article on …
Getting them young is the plan trappers in Ontario have to keep their industry alive. In a recent “news article” about the Fur Harvesters Auction in North Bay, a “reporter” revealed that the industry is grasping at straws to get kids interested. A youth apprenticeship program is in full swing after its first season – …
This week we’re continuing to look at the subject of humane education with one of the biggest names in the business. The co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education, Zoe Weil is an award-winning author of six books, educator and speaker. She designed the graduate certificate programs for the Institute of Humane Education …
It’s a beautiful day in Los Angeles for humans and fur-bearing animals alike. The city has officially banned the use of all traps that grip or snare animals.
In Idaho, the Canada lynx is an endangered species that cannot be trapped. Unfortunately, no one told the traps this. Three conservation groups have initiated legal action against the governor of Idaho and other involved state officials to end trapping that illegally kills the lynx, now a rare species in the state. The groups posit …
The bastion of fashion in Canada is in the middle of a fight between furriers and those who represent them. The Montreal Gazette reports that after the end of the North American Fur and Fashion Exhibition Montreal (NAFFEM) two rival trade shows have started up, and it’s driving a wedge through the industry. “On one …
This week’s episode is the first of many to come that will focus on a subject of the utmost importance to us – humane education.
Two Langley residents had their cases heard – and subsequently dismissed – regarding the operations of a nearby mink farm by the Farm Industry Review Board. We spent time today thoroughly reviewing the FIRB decision and can offer some analysis into the process. The complaints were made by neighbours of the mink farm. A hearing …
A coyote may be lurking in your backyard, waiting for a chance to steal your babies. At least, that’s how most media outlets portray our wild dog neighbours. Fortunately for us – and the coyotes – there’s Dr. Shelley Alexander. A professor at the University of Calgary and one of the speakers at our Celebration …
The provincial approval of $4,000,000 in loans to a PEI fur farm stinks – literally. With the development of a new farm in Haliburton, there will soon be nearly four pounds of poo per person in the small island province. According to a short article by the CBC, the farm will house 10,000 mink in …
The injuries and deaths of small dogs in Aberdeen, Saskatchewan has some residents up in arms, calling for the destruction of the assailant. The culprit? A great horned owl. According to Global News, the owl has injured two small dogs and killed one. “I know a lot of people around town are saying, ‘Oh, it …
You’ve followed us on Twitter and liked us on Facebook. Now you can get even more Fur-Bearer Defenders! We’ve expanded our social media circle to include Pinterest and Google Plus. “Staying connected with our membership and supporters is a key portion of our ongoing work,” explains Lesley Fox, Executive Director of APFA. “Utilizing popular social …
A hot topic these days is the BC government’s wolf management plan. Or, more particularly, it’s the lack of information about the plan.
Police near Wichita, Kansas, were on the prowl for a black bear, seen eating a deer in the median of a highway. Numerous calls led police on the chase where they were eventually greeted by the massive beast – who gave them kisses and wanted to play fetch. Yes, the big black bear sighted by …
A Kelowna-area Conservation Officer has spent several hours trying to catch a coyote who was reported to have a foot-hold trap on his paw. Sunday morning, the coyote was seen – this time without his paw.
We’re always trying to discover new ways to spread our message – whether it’s to go fur-free, coexist or simply be more compassionate. This week we’re chatting with two people who are working toward similar goals with different approaches. We’ll hear from Kim Elmslie, Communications and Advocacy Manager for The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, …
There are only 455 professional hunters and trappers left in Canada. According to Statistics Canada’s 2011 household survey, trapping has become one of the least common full-time professions for Canadians. And this is not a one-time blip on the radar for trapping. In an article on Bloomberg.com, reporter Greg Quinn notes “the 455 hunters and …
