Petition to stop trapping going to Penticton council

PENTICTON – One of the oldest animal protection groups in Canada is taking aim at Penticton city council in an attempt to restrict leg-hold traps within city limits.

A cat was found in January with a leg badly mangled as the result of being caught in a leg-hold trap. The incident has prompted The Association for the Protection of Fur Bearing Animals to start a petition banning these traps in Penticton.

The association's Director of Digital Content and Special Projects, Michael Howie said his association heard of the incident and began a petition that will be presented to Penticton council.

“Trapping is going on where people and domestic animals are around. There’s no reason for it,” Howie said, adding the association has heard of several incidents across the country similar to the one in Penticton, since trapping season began in November.

“The reality is, despite the best efforts of pet owners, animals are going to wander. We don’t know where the Penticton cat came from, but it was badly injured just because someone wanted to make $20 from a pelt.” Howie said.

The petition will be available for signatures until the end of February, after which time it will be presented to the mayor and council of Penticton. The online petition can be accessed at: www.the petition site.com

“Municipalities have the power in B.C. to manage animals within their jurisdiction,” Howie said. The petition website also notes the traps remain legal provincially, but municipalities can take action against them.

“At the very least, we hope council will have a serious discussion about this issue. It happened once – what happens if a small child steps into one? The question is, how long is the city willing to take this risk?” Howie asked.

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