When news hit our newsroom two weeks ago about Sechelt resident Vicki Starfire and her alarming run-in with a leg-hold trap while out walking along a trail in West Sechelt, we really couldn't believe that the incident happened. It was so shocking in its nature.
The trap was placed well off the trail and, according to local conservation officer Murray Smith, was placed legally by a trapper trying to ward off wolves, which have been populating the area lately. And yes, Starfire's dog Sammie did wander off the trail and into the woods, but can you possibly blame the dog? Dogs will wander, no matter how well trained they may be.
Thankfully, Starfire, after risking her own well being, was able to reach Smith by phone. He rushed to her aid and was able to free Sammie. Sammie is fully recovered, but this is certainly not the end of the story.
In the past week or so, many Coast residents have emailed us with their letters, comments and concerns.
Most are wondering why these barbaric traps are still in use. Others wonder why there were no warning signs that these traps had been placed. What if this had been a young child or a group of hikers who stumbled upon this trap? Someone could have been seriously injured.
While no laws have been broken, and we stress again that this trap was placed legally, we think something needs to be done at not only our local government level, but at the provincial level to look at banning these traps outright. At the very least, more warning signs need to be in place if these traps are put into use.
Residents have started a Coast-wide petition, have begun lobbying MLA Nicholas Simons, are planning a public information town-hall style meeting and are looking to meet with the Sunshine Coast Regional District board in the coming weeks.
We whole-heartedly support the efforts of these residents and encourage other residents to get on board. We also hope that our politicians will look into this issue. This is an issue of public safety and the safety and well being of our animals. While we recognize the right to hunt and the need to prevent wolves from becoming a problem in this area of West Sechelt, there certainly has to be a better way to fend off these animals.
This inhumane and dangerous practice needs to be abolished.
