
A raccoon maimed by a trap set in Langley was humanely euthanized due to the extent of his injuries, creating concern for other wildlife, pets, and young families who live in the neighbourhood.
The Fur-Bearers, a wildlife non-profit, is issuing a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the identification and conviction of the person responsible for setting the Conibear trap, should investigation reveal that it was done so illegally. The organization is also renewing calls for municipal control over trapping through by-laws.
Critter Care Wildlife Society attended the scene in the area of 40 Avenue and 208 Street last Friday where they found the juvenile raccoon caught by the paw in a conibear trap, tangled in rose bushes. Due to the extent of the injuries caused by the trap, the raccoon was humanely euthanized.
“Setting a trap like this will do one thing: cause suffering,” says Michael Howie, spokesperson for The Fur-Bearers. “Traps do not differentiate between species: a raccoon, an endangered animal, a dog or cat, a child – the trap cannot tell the difference, and will injure or kill anything that triggers it. Municipalities deserve the ability to control the use of these traps and protect their residents.”
A trapping license or small game license is not necessary to buy a trap online or through local salespoints like Craigslist or Kijiji. Municipalities currently cannot set regulations on when or where traps are set, not even requiring notification of nearby homeowners or businesses.
“This kind of needless suffering will continue until regulations are changed,” says Howie. “And the government, and the residents of British Columbia, need to decide if that’s acceptable to them.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the RAPP Line at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277) or Langley Animal Protection Society at 604-857-5055.
The full version of this photo is viewable by clicking here. WARNING: it is a graphic and upsetting image.
Photos provided by Critter Care Wildlife Society