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Post by AmyJo27 on Nov 20, 2009 14:38:54 GMT -5
I live out in the woods, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. The other day I was driving home from work and noticed a pickup truck parked on the road right in front of my house. I didn’t really think anything of it; I just figured that it was farmers. Then Gustavo came home and told me that there had been a couple of men walking out of the ditch and getting into their pickup. Out of curiosity I went searching in the ditch. I found 3 snare traps right in OUR ditch. Our drive way is not that long and right at the end of the drive way there is a culvert. One both sides of the culvert there were snares then across the road by our mailbox! Snare traps are supposed to have a tag on them that has the trappers name, address, phone number, and trap number. They are also supposed to have a thing on them so deer can’t get stuck in them. These traps had neither. So, I took wire cutters and cut all 3 of them. Today there were 3 new traps with tags but nothing to keep deer out. I called the DNR and left a message. I’m so nervous that the DNR is going to say that they are obeying the law and that they can have their snares that close to my house! My black cat is an inside/outside cat and we haven’t seen him for 3 days. I am so afraid that one of my animals is going to end up getting killed because of this. I am keeping close tabs on the dogs (no one goes outside unless leashed). And hopefully my cat Simon will show up soon so I can keep him confined inside. Do you guys think I should address the trapper or just wait for the DNR to call? ??? Also, if anyone knows anything about trapping please inform me! Anything might help.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Nov 20, 2009 14:55:03 GMT -5
Here is an anti snare website for those who dont know about snares. www.antisnaring.org.uk/Warning: There are some graphic pictures.
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Post by suziriot on Nov 20, 2009 16:15:52 GMT -5
Ugh, that is awful!!! I don't have any experience with trappers or hunters, but I would suggest speaking with the authorities first. If they do not call you back soon, contact them again and again, and let them know that you are concerned about the safety of your family and pets with these things so close to your house and property. If the DNR says that these guys are not doing anything illegal, then you might need to talk to them but only if you feel safe doing so. I would ask Gustavo or a friend to accompany you just in case. In the meantime, continue to keep everyone away from these nasty things like you have been. I really hope your kitty comes home soon... I would be losing my mind in a situation like this. Please let us know what happens.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Nov 20, 2009 23:47:37 GMT -5
Thank God! Simon is home!!! I talked to a DNR and he removed the snares that are right in my ditch and by my mail box. He found out who the trapper was and he "warned" the trapper. The DNR said that traps have to be at least 200 yards away from my house. This trapper apparently has them plastered everywhere around my house but all the other traps are barely 200 yards away and they are legally set so there is nothing the DNR or I can do about them. I guess I’m going to have to keep my cat locked in the house and no more running around freely for poor Boomer. It is SO tempting to go out with wire cutters tomorrow and cut them all but that would be pretty obvious wouldn’t it? I don’t understand it, trapping is 100% legal. Animals chew their own legs off trying to get out of traps, animals slowly drown in traps, animals get a wire wrapped around there neck that tightens every time they move until they FINALLY suffocate in traps but ITS 100% LEGAL! How is any of this humane??? Am I crazy or are Fox, Raccoons, Badgers, Skunks, Rabbits, and Opossums living animals? Maybe the government should spend less time worrying about Pit Bulls and look into the things that ARE legal that shouldn’t be instead of trying to ban things that JUST DON’T MAKE SENCE! That would just be too easy though wouldn’t it?!? Why don’t people really us their minds and think about it: WHO IS THE REAL ENEMY HERE? HUMANS OR ANIMALS!!! WHO IS KILLING WHO? No offence, but sometimes I really wonder about our government!
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Post by AmyJo27 on Nov 21, 2009 0:16:00 GMT -5
I never really thought about trapping before it hit home! Now I can’t quit reading about it. It really makes me sick!!! I am honestly tempted to mess with these snares by my house now!
Ok...Prepare yourselves for this one.... This is an ACTUAL QUOTE from the Game keeping Books "Cat & Dogs owners should keep them at home or be prepared to accept the consequences"
"Once cats begin to hunt for game, their presence cannot be tolerated, and it is desirable that they be kept down. Great judiciousness, however, should be exercised by the gamekeeper, and when a domestic cat is trapped it ought quickly to be put out of sight and its fate kept secret."
OK! SERIOSLY!!! What do trappers think they are doing?!? I guess trapping isn’t considered hunting or killing!
They must think that just because the animals they trap are considered vermin it doesn’t matter how they die.
I REALLY WANT TO MESS WITH THOSE TRAPS!!!!
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Post by emilys on Nov 21, 2009 0:39:30 GMT -5
... Am I crazy or are Fox, Raccoons, Badgers, Skunks, Rabbits, and Opossums living animals? .. of course, but not animals anyone cares about.. just "vermin". Sometimes they can only be taken in regulated trapping seasons, but I believe in most places it's "open season".. tney can be killed anytime. If they're trapped for fur, the season is usually in winter. In my state it's legal to shoot ground squirrels for "target practice". The only wildlife that is protected by law are game species (those that are hunted), migratory birds and raptors. "Nongame" species, unless endangered, are SOL. Sometimes the only thing that protects these animals are local zoning ordinances that forbid discharge of weapons or outlaw traps. But, since you live in the middle of nowhere.... One of the reasons I'm baffled at those animal loving people who keep lauding terrierman.. what do they think his dogs are doing when he goes out with them? That book you're quoting sounds a little obsolete.. kind of like gamedog manuals. But you might want to ask the DNR guy if your domestic pets have any protection, and how long the trapping season lasts.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Nov 21, 2009 23:34:29 GMT -5
There is a high limit of animals that can be killed. Otherwise trappers have until January 2010.
The DNR looked me right in the eye and told me to keep a close eye on all my animals because (Quote) “I have seen family pets get killed in these kinds of traps and that can be a big mess.”
If God forbid, I never found these traps and my cat or dog died in one of them I am SOL because the trapper law abiding!
I am just glad that I know about these traps now so I can keep all my pets safe and alert those who live in the area.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Nov 22, 2009 22:50:20 GMT -5
Gustavo and I have decided that we are going to call the trapper and see if there is any way he would remove the traps that are barely 200 yards from my house. It’s worth a try.
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Post by suziriot on Nov 23, 2009 0:12:34 GMT -5
Good idea. You're right, it's at least worth a try. I am just so sorry for your situation. I can't imagine the stress and worry you must be suffering. Trapping is just horrific!
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Post by emilys on Nov 23, 2009 10:17:06 GMT -5
Gustavo and I have decided that we are going to call the trapper and see if there is any way he would remove the traps that are barely 200 yards from my house. It’s worth a try. fingers crossed for this guy being reasonable.. but you should expect a "it's legal and it's your responsibility to keep your pets away from my traps" response.
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Post by RealPitBull on Nov 24, 2009 9:03:44 GMT -5
Amy, I don't have any experience with this stuff, although I do know how horrible traps are. I would be SO ANGRY if I were in your situation - in fact, I am ANGRY FOR YOU!! Aside from the fact that I have a problem with hunting/trapping (ESPECIALLY trapping) just in general, the lack of concern for suffering, or the safety of domesticated animals, in many of these trappers/hunters is disgusting. I'm assuming you live way out in the country, and that this trapper could easily find a place to set traps that wasn't so close to a house. But obviously there is no sense of concern here. I think you and Gustavo should definately talk to the trapper at this point, appeal to his human side and maybe he will be reasonable, taking your WELL DESERVED concerns into account, once you explain them. And as much as you want to NOT be, be polite and professional, and leave the traps alone - because right or wrong, the law is obviously on the side of the trapper, and I don't think it would do your case any good to be messing with them. Good luck, please keep us all posted. (And I am SO glad your kitties are safe!!!)
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Post by AmyJo27 on Nov 24, 2009 11:35:12 GMT -5
I know I can’t mess with the traps! It’s quite unfortunate! I am going to stop by one of the traps today to get the trappers phone number off the ID tag. I pray he will be reasonable. Like you said Mary, I live out in the middle of nowhere. The closest house to me is 2 1/2 miles away! Why did he have to put traps right by my house??? Anyway, I will let you all know what happens when I call!!!
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Post by AmyJo27 on Nov 24, 2009 15:23:27 GMT -5
Well.....I have GREAT news!!! Today I went to all the places (within a mile of my house) that this trapper had traps set and guess what? They are all gone!!!! I am so glad! I didn’t even have to call! Maybe when I involved the DNR it freaked him out but the traps are gone!!! I am going to keep my eye out and keep my cat in the house for a little while yet but I am SO glad they are gone!!!
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Post by RealPitBull on Nov 24, 2009 15:30:04 GMT -5
OOO yay! Thank goodness!
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Post by suziriot on Nov 24, 2009 19:00:20 GMT -5
Oh, wow... that is such a huge relief! Yay! ;D
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Post by emilys on Nov 24, 2009 19:11:48 GMT -5
whoo hoo!!!!!!
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Chloe
I Love RPBF!
Posts: 433
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Post by Chloe on Nov 25, 2009 12:41:21 GMT -5
Wheeew! So happy for you!
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Post by AmyJo27 on Nov 25, 2009 23:52:13 GMT -5
Thanks for all your thoughts and concerns! ;D
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Post by valliesong on Dec 4, 2009 3:03:29 GMT -5
So glad the traps are gone and your critters are safe, but I would suggest keeping kitty inside anyway. I have seen such horrible things happen to cats who are allowed outdoors - the same things that happen to dogs who run free. Hit by car, poisoned or shot by neighbor or hunter, trapped and tortured by sick-o's, caught in leghold traps (not just snares), feline leukemia and AIDS, fleas, ticks, worms, fungal infections, upper respiratory infections, attacked by dogs, eaten by coyotes, fights with other cats (and resulting severe infections), even caught by raptors. I do trap-neuter-return feral cats and find this to be preferable to death for strays, but living indoors is absolutely ideal for pet cats. Here is a picture from local Hillside SPCA of a cat they rescued from a hunter's trap:
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Post by AmyJo27 on Dec 4, 2009 11:17:04 GMT -5
Awww! Poor kitty!!!
I have 2 cats. Simon and Dory. Dory stays inside all the time but Simon is an indoor/outdoor cat. I’m not sure I can keep him inside! When he is ready to go out, if you open the door one way or another he will bolt out! When these traps were still by my house I kept him locked in the extra bedroom unless no one was coming in or going out. When I had to go somewhere, into the bedroom he went. But even then, all he would do was go from window to window and meow.
My other cat, Dory is scared to death of being outside! I’m not even kidding, if you open the door for any reason she runs to the basement! I have no idea why!
If I keep Simon in all the time, how long will it take for him to adjust?
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