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DEC Extends Emergency Trapping Regulations
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has extended emergency regulations that will help reduce or eliminate the capture or killing of pets in body-gripping traps. The extension was filed with the Department of State on Dec. 11, 2007. New York's 2007-08 trapping season opened on Oct. 25 in most areas of the state and the restrictions apply to the setting and use of body-gripping traps. The extended regulation will be in effect for 60 days. During this period, the Department will review comments received from the public on a proposed permanent rule.
On occasion in recent years, pets, particularly dogs, have been caught and killed in bodygripping traps set on public or private lands. These types of traps are mainly used to catch animals such as raccoon and fisher. After careful review of the current trapping regulations, DEC determined that additional regulation is needed to minimize the chance that pets will inadvertently be caught in these traps, while maintaining their effectiveness in catching targeted animals.
DEC originally adopted the proposed regulations on an emergency basis, effective Sept. 13. The emergency regulations include additional designs for body-gripping traps set in dogresistant containers used with baits; contains restrictions on body-gripping traps set without the use of baits in so-called "blind run sets"; and requires a new setback restriction for body-gripping traps set on public lands near trails. Body-gripping traps will be prohibited on public lands within 100 feet of public trails.
While this emergency regulation and proposal is considered an important improvement to New York's trapping regulations, it is also important that members of the public recognize that dog ownership brings important responsibilities. During trapping seasons, pet owners are reminded to make sure that dogs are not allowed to run at large, and to obey local leash laws where applicable.
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