According to a translated version of an article on LaPresse.ca, Manon Gagnon and Johnny Simard live with their cats, dogs and horses on a small farm in Laterrière, a community near Saguenay. On a Saturday in October, two of their cats – who have never travelled far – disappeared. They spent three days searching but found no trace of their pets.
Weeks later, Johnny Simard came across traps set on their property.
They had never given permission to hunters or trappers to use their land, nor did any trappers contact them.
Wildlife officials looked into the issue and agreed with Manon and Johnny’s fears: the traps likely killed the cats. The article states that the wildlife official contacted the trapper whose license was in good standing and traps were legal; thus, nothing more could be done. Perhaps they would consider posting signs for the future, they said.
“Although the record is considered closed, the family raises serious questions about their safety,” concludes article author Melissa Viau. “How [the] trapper, [who is] supposedly [a] great connoisseur of the forest could see fit to [set] traps along a river, close to homes and a path visibly busy, typed and trampled by humans, horses and dogs? And when a trapper traps a pet, should he not notify the refuge in its sector?”
These are good questions that, sadly, will go unanswered by the government. That is why we have our #MakeFurHistory campaign. Consumers, who drive the demand for fur and trapping services, need to be aware of the inherently inhumane conditions fur-bearing animals face.
Your support – through sharing this blog or our MakeFurHistory.com website, membership, or donations – help us keep these important campaigns available to the public. Please join us in our goal to #MakeFurHistory.
