LIVE TRAPPING KILLS

BY THE OTTAWA-CARLETON WILDLIFE CENTRE

ach year, thousands of wild animals die because of the use of so-called "humane" or live traps. Some die directly due to stress and/or injuries caused by their frantic efforts in trying to get out of the trap. The majority, however, are the young orphans that are left to die a slow painful death of starvation and cold because their mother has been trapped and relocated.

The Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre estimates that up to 60% of the orphans that overwhelm wildlife centres are ones "created" by the outdated and increasingly unacceptable practice of trapping. Relocating wildlife from around our homes can also cause serious problems for homeowners. The Centre asks you to consider:

• babies abandoned in attics often fall between walls requiring costly removal of drywall while those babies left to die in burrows under steps or decks will create significant smell problems
• the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act prohibits relocation of raccoons, skunks and foxes beyond a one kilometre radius, making trapping a waste of time.
• charges and fines are possible as are charges under the Criminal Code if unnecessary suffering to an animal results from trapping
• Neighbours left to rescue and care for these created orphans are both sad and angry that they are having to clean up someone else's mess

The Centre reports that calls from people complaining about a neighbour trapping are up dramatically as are ones from individuals stating they are boycotting stores that sell traps.

All of this is unnecessary, particularly when the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre is able to provide free advice on humane, effective and inexpensive alternatives. Call 726-6965 for solutions to wildlife problems that will benefit both you and the animals.