Editor:
In the Year in Review in last week's Coast Reporter, there was a photo of Vicki Starfire and her dog Sammie. In March 2010, the dog was caught in a leg-hold trap near Wakefield Creek on the edge of popular Big Firs Recreation Area, during a typical walk along the power lines near Starfire's home at the top of Mason Road. The incidentcaused outrage, and a subsequent petition to ban traps on the Sunshine Coast got over 3,000 signatures in a two-week period.
The caption under the photo stated that Gibsons put in place a bylaw banning the traps, and said, "The District of Sechelt also took a similar direction later in the year." This gives the impression that our previous council put in place some kind of restrictions regarding traps. They only put out a draft towards a bylaw, leaving our new council holding the bag.
One can only hope they will indeed ban traps in the District to ensure that residents and visitors, their children and pets can safely explore the great outdoors. Many people go out in the bush: mushroom and salal pickers, tree planters, surveyors, fishermen, nature photographers, bird watchers, Scout troops, etc. Search and Rescuedoes dog training exercises in outlying areas.
I am a senior citizen who enjoys hikes off the beaten path with my dog and friends and their dogs. It puts a damper on our adventures to think that these painful - sometimes deadly - archaic traps could be hidden anywhere out there. This is unacceptable in the 21st century in a civilized area that is hugely popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Cecilia Ohm-Eriksen, Sechelt
