Council Delays Wildlife Trap Decision

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 28 February 2012 01:56 
  Vernon council has deferred a decision on a request for a new bylaw to ban certain types of wildlife traps.  Council needs more time to consider the issue and get legal advice after Pete Wise from the BC Trappers Association told the city they don't need a new law. "Wise told Kiss FM, "I think it's a duplication of what already exists.The Conservation Service, the RCMP and the SPCA are already there to enforce the existing laws that are set down by the province for protection of wildlife, animals, people and property." Conservation officer Josh Lockwood (pictured) agrees a city bylaw isn't needed,  and says they do enforce illegal trapping. "A bylaw that they would come up with would just duplicate the Wildlife Act because those trapping regulations are there to protect the animals and the public, and make a humane trapping." Council received about 20 letters and emails, most supporting a ban on leg, snare and conibear body-gripping type traps. The Association for the Protection of Fur Bearing Animals is seeking a ban, saying they are cruel to animals and put pets and children at risk.
---------

Legal opinion sought over possible ban on animal traps

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 27, 2012 4:00 PM

Both sides in the trapping debate are placing pressure on Vernon city hall, but officials insist their actions will be dictated by the law and not emotion.  The city is investigating legal jurisdiction and the implications if a bylaw banning animal traps is enacted. "We want to be well informed when we make a decision," said Mayor Rob Sawatzky, adding that part of the process is to determine if the provincial government currently legislates and enforces trapping rules. "We want to avoid leaving a public safety concern open but we want to avoid duplication (of service)." The Association for the Protection of Fur Bearing Animals wants a ban on traps, saying they promote cruelty among animals and they put pets and children at risk. However, the B.C. Trappers Association insists traps are needed among licensed operators to handle problem wildlife and there are already provincial and national rules pertaining to use.