A recent frightening incident involving a leg-hold trap has propelled a group of residents to take action.
In early April, Sechelt resident Vicki Starfire took her Brittany spaniel Sammie for a walk along the electric power line paths near the top of Mason Road. Panic struck when Sammie wandered off and became ensnared in a leg-hold trap.
The incident has garnered much attention, and Starfire is now looking for answers. She and a group of concerned citizenshave formed a group working to ensure an incident like this never happens again. The group is hoping to see a ban on the traps on the Sunshine Coast and is currently circulating a petition.
"What we need, I think, is some sort of clause, in provincial regulation, so different cities and communities can opt out," Starfire said on the setting of traps. "The most common comment I've received on this incident is people saying they thought these things were banned long ago."
In addition to a trap ban, Starfire is seeking answers to her questions on the trap permit process, specifically how many permits are out there and who has them. She feels it should be public knowledge and released as public information.
Currently, all trap license and permit information is confidential.
Conservation officer Murray Smith confirmed that information is kept confidential and doesn't think that will change anytime soon. Smith also reiterated that while Starfire's incident was unfortunate, it was also rare and isolated and should serve as a learning experience on all sides.
Starfire said she feels Smith needs to make more of a statement, but added conservation officers are doing a great job and conceded that it would be difficult to be in their shoes.
Starfire remains steadfast in her quest for answers and her desire to ban leg-hold traps.
"People are really scared. The woods they thought were such a wonderful resource now they just don't know," she said. "I think it would be a lot better if people knew the answers, and we, as regular citizens, need to know this. That's why I'm getting so many emails and calls -people are really upset over this."
Starfire has been frequenting local events, encouraging residents to sign the petition, which can also be signed at local pet supply stores and veterinarian offices. According to Starfire, many signatures have been collected.
Starfire and her group are taking further steps by organizing a public meeting, details to be announced. She and the group will also be making a leg-hold trap ban presentation to the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) board in mid-May.
"I'm very hopeful the SCRD will see this as a safety issue and take action," she said.
