Humane society sees increase in 'inhumane trap' usage

Animal services officers at the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth (HSKWSP) say they are witnesing an increasing trend of traps set to capture or harm local wildlife.

The agencies said multiple traps were found within the last three weeks in Kitchener, and confirm that within the last week alone three were found which is “concerning.”

“As our cities continue to grow, we are co-existing with wildlife. There are more than enough ways to co-exist peacefully without causing harm,” said Janice Maxwell, manager of animal services, HSKWSP in a media release

The trapped wildlife was either being found deceased, in serious distress or freed before injuries could be tended to.

Two of the traps were described as black plastic Rat Snap traps, with the first capturing a skunk. When animal services officers arrived, the skunk had clawed its way free but had sustained serious injuries and was found deceased nearby.

The second also trapped a skunk, who tried to escape under a fence. When officers arrived, the animal was in distress and had already sustained significant injury. As a result, it had to be humanely euthanized.

The third was an old-style metal trap – called a Conibear. The trap was found with a squirrel incise, and the animal was released before officers arrived.

The humane society said the squirrel “almost certainly sustained severe injuries.”

“One animal, which was a skunk, had sustained serious injuries and unfortunately was found deceased a short distance away. It had clawed its way free,” said Calla James, director of community engagement at HSKWSP.

“That trap can inflict some pretty serious injuries on animals, and it was most definitely severally injured when released,” said James.

The humane society is particularly concerned because all three were confiscated from different properties in Kitchener.

Animal control officers said they were tipped off by concerned residents.

“Unfortunately, it had sustained very severe injuries, and had to be humanely euthanized,” said James.

“The possession and use of body-gripping traps, including Conibear traps and some snap traps, is strictly regulated. Only qualified and licensed individuals may possess and use body-gripping traps to capture wildlife. Ontario’s trapping regulations, including requirements for the use of humane certified traps for most species, are among the strictest and most humane and comply with the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards,” the humane society said.

The Humane Society is reminding residents to be aware of what is permitted and what is not, but more importantly, how to deter wildlife without causing undue suffering.

HSKWSP has resources to help homeowners learn how to humanely deter wildlife from their property. The guide also gives more information on various species, co-existing with them, and when to be concerned about illness or injury.

Bill Dowd, CEO of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, said we are past the time we can get rid of these animals in our city, and the best way to get rid of unwanted pests is to animal-proof your home.

This includes eliminating their food source.

“You should never put your garbage out at night time, said Dowd. “When skunks and raccoons and opossums are out foraging for food … garbage should always go out first thin in the morning."

As of Thursday, it is too early for HSKWSP to say if charges are possible. It's up to the Ministry of Natural Resources to investigate.