Suite

701, 718-333 Brooksbank Ave.

North Vancouver, BC V7J 3V8
Telephone: 604-435-1850
Fax: 604-435-1840
info@thefurbearers.com
thefurbearers.com

June 24, 2019

Re: Trapping and wildlife education

Dear Mayor Harvie and Council,

We were saddened to hear of a cat being grievously wounded by an apparent foot-hold trap in the Ladner neighbourhood,
around the same time that media noted your by-law department advised against creating new by-laws regarding the use of
leg-hold and other traps.

The cat, named Blu, was found near his home with severe damage to a back leg. His veterinarian told his family that it is likely
he was in the trap for two days due to the level of necrotic tissue (rotten flesh). Currently he is in recovery, and his family is
anxiously waiting to see if his leg will require amputation. Photos of the injury were not included in this letter but can be
made available should it be required.

Trapping is a provincially regulated activity. However, municipalities can regulate traps within their communities and some
BC municipalities have chosen to enact by-laws restricting trap usage. As noted in a previous communication from my
colleague Michael Howie, many municipalities have challenged the province on this, and some have even created by-laws in
the interim as the province has not provided a clear ruling. Given that there is now evidence of at least two traps being set in
what is likely an urban neighbourhood and not in agricultural areas, it is no longer just a wildlife issue, but one of public
safety. Traps pose a public safety threat to wildlife (including endangered or at-risk species), as well as domestic pets like cats
and dogs and families. Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that the provincial government
has been aware that an average of eight dogs per year are killed by such traps.
.
Recently a member of the Conservation Officer Service also publicly stated that communities can prohibit the use of traps.

I would appreciate an opportunity to speak to Council about the threat traps pose, the section of the Community Charter
that allows for municipal by-laws in this and other cases, and how The Fur-Bearers would like to offer our assistance in
creating educational material for your website or other materials so residents can learn how to co-exist with wildlife such as
raccoons, skunks, coyotes, bears, and other native species.

Sincerely,

Lesley Fox
Executive Director
The Fur-Bearers