The following post is written by a resident of Prince Edward Island, sharing the story of River, a dog who was trapped by a snare in Prince Edward Island in the winter of 2023. River’s family is sharing this story to raise awareness about traps in the province and call for change.
December 3, 2024
One year ago, our lives were turned upside down by a moment of sheer terror that became a testament to hope, resilience, and love. River, our two-year-old black Labrador, was running ahead of our four-wheelers during one of her favorite outdoor adventures. Her boundless energy and love for the outdoors always brought joy to our family.
That day, as we veered off our usual trails onto a neighboring field, I noticed snare traps lining the woods. I voiced my concern to my partner, suggesting we turn back. He reassured me, reasoning that River was too tall to be caught by one. Trusting his judgment, we continued toward the brook, turning off the engines to enjoy the stillness of the moment.
But the stillness was shattered by the realization that River wasn’t with us. Panic set in as we scattered to search for her. My partner and our boys sped off in the direction we had last seen her, while I stayed behind, running frantically along the brook, praying with every step.
Then came the sound that froze my heart—my youngest son’s terrified scream. It echoed through the woods, confirming my worst fears. I struggled to climb the hill, every step weighted with dread. When I reached the top, I saw River lying motionless on the ground, and a look on my family’s face you never want to see.
My heart broke in that instant. I thought I had lost my best friend. But just as despair gripped me, River stirred. She lifted her head, panting, her eyes filled with the fight to live. My partner and the boys had acted swiftly, cutting her free and performing CPR. In those critical seconds, their quick thinking saved her life.
We were overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, knowing how close we had come to losing her. That day became a reminder of how fragile life can be and how important it is to cherish every moment.
A New Challenge
As the months passed, we thought the worst was behind us. But a few months after the incident, a lump began to form on River’s throat. At first, it seemed harmless, but it grew larger over time. A visit to the vet confirmed our fears—River had developed a sialocele, a salivary mucocele caused by trauma to her salivary gland or duct.
The vet explained that this rare condition occurs almost exclusively in dogs and is typically caused by injury. The trauma from the snare likely led to the slow leakage of saliva into surrounding tissues, causing inflammation and the formation of the lump.
Now, a year later, the lump has reached a size that requires surgical intervention. The procedure, while necessary, comes with a staggering cost of $5000- $7,000. As a family without pet insurance, the expense is far beyond our means.
A Call for Change
This traumatic experience has taught us the need for greater awareness and action. One critical change we’d like to see is the implementation of visible markers or colored flagging near traps or snares. Such markers would serve as a warning to others, potentially saving a beloved pet.
River’s spirit remains as vibrant as ever. She’s still the energetic, loving dog who lights up our days. It breaks our hearts to see her struggle with this condition. River is more than just a pet; she’s family. She’s a survivor, a fighter, and a source of endless love and joy. Her story is one of resilience and the unbreakable bond between a dog and her family. We’re determined to do everything we can to help her overcome this new challenge, just as she overcame the snare that nearly took her life.
A picture of River with me on our four-wheeler. She loves to run!
– Tammy Rix, Prince Edward Island
Take Action!
For residents of Prince Edward Island, contact the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Giles Arsenault, to call for trapping changes in the province. Please ensure your communications are polite and respectful. The Minister can be emailed at [email protected].
The following points can help guide your communications with the Minister. Remember that emails written in your own words will make more of an impact.
- I want to see the province take action on trapping. It’s unacceptable that traps and snares are being set without any signage throughout the island.
- Thousands of Prince Edward Islanders have signed petitions to ban the use of snares and traps in the province.
- Most of the trapping incidents involving dogs on PEI are because of snares, with several dogs being killed by these inhumane traps.
- In 2024, the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability has made numerous recommendations to your government on trapping. These include mandatory warning signs and adopting policies that prioritize wildlife coexistence and reduce the need for trapping.
To learn more about trapping in PEI, click here to read about a recently published report from the PEI legislative committee. The report makes several recommendations to the government that will help improve outcomes for both wildlife and pets in the province.
Share the video on how to release pets from traps
The Fur-Bearers has created an educational video demonstrating how to release your dog or cat if they become caught in a trap. Please share on your social media pages and send it to anyone who would benefit from the information.
