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Response to trapping adversaries
Published 9:23am Monday, January 28, 2013To the editor:
In reference to the statements regarding the trapping of nuisance wildlife, several “Tug at the heartstrings” statements were made.
Regarding the domestic pets being caught, if your pet is in most areas that trapping would be used, then you are an irresponsible pet owner for allowing your pet to roam. If your child is caught in one, then you are both negligent and teaching your child it is okay to trespass.
Most of the traps used for beavers, which cause major flooding problems, are quick kill traps. As for the inhumanity in trapping coyotes, have you ever seen the end results of a coyote attack on an animal? I have; the coyotes hold the animal down and proceed to gut it alive. And yes they do that to your dog or cat if they catch it. Are you really concerned about wildlife?
Coyotes kill huge numbers of deer and turkey; more than hunters. You can’t have it both ways.
– James Smith, Columbus
Yes, I’m sure it’s quite horrible to witness a wild animal killing its prey, but we aren’t wild animals. We have the ability to make choices NOT to harm animals in an inhumane manner.
Pointing out how a coyote kills its prey is not addressing the inhumanity of the traps, but merely changing the subject.
And blaming the pet owner or parent? Really? I’d blame the person who placed the trap and the legislators to made it legal. But pointing fingers won’t help the animal or child who is suffering and possibly dying.
Yes, Mr. Smith, I really am concerned about wildlife. If we have an overabundance of it, perhaps we can learn ways to solve that problem without reverting to archaic traps. Let’s study this together, and I absolutely hope we involve our heartstrings when making decisions.