On December 26th, Victoria Lethbridge and her partner went for a morning stroll with their dog and baby using new snowshoes near their residence in Hickman’s Harbour. The leisurely walk turned tragic when their four-year-old pug Winston got entangled and killed in a beaver trap placed alongside the path.
Describing the incident as traumatic, Lethbridge expressed her reluctance to revisit the trail due to the distressing memory. Similarly, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Jason Bennett’s husky Brody got caught in a spring-loaded leg trap while in an area close to the 5 Wing Goose Bay military base, a popular walking spot. Fortunately, Bennett managed to free Brody without harm.
Expressing frustration and dismay over the incidents, both dog owners are advocating for updated trapping regulations to prevent future pet injuries and fatalities. They emphasize the need for regulations governing the setting of traps near community trails and the necessity for visible caution signs.
Trapping is a government-regulated practice aimed at wildlife management and is deeply ingrained in the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. Trappers are required to hold licenses, with beaver trappers assigned specific traplines. Although there are no specific restrictions on trapping near community areas, trails, or parks unless specified by local authorities, efforts are underway to educate trappers and pet owners on avoiding such incidents.
Pet owners are reminded to adhere to provincial and municipal laws requiring pets to be leashed when off the owner’s property, except in Labrador Inuit lands. Despite acknowledging trapping as a traditional aspect of life in the region, Lethbridge emphasizes the importance of improved signage and regulations near community spaces to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Both Lethbridge and Bennett stress the need for trappers to consider the potential risks posed to pets in commonly frequented areas. While recognizing the cultural significance of trapping, they advocate for simple measures like flags or signs to safeguard pets from unforeseen dangers.
The incidents have garnered community support, with messages of condolences flooding Lethbridge’s social media platforms, reflecting the impact of Winston’s loss on the entire community. The call for enhanced trapping regulations and signage near community areas continues to gain momentum, driven by the shared goal of protecting beloved pets during outdoor activities.