In November of last year I lost my pet dog in a conibear type trap set for otters less than a kilometer from my home. This trap was set on land were it was accessible to children living in the area & could have easily caused severe injury, or worse, to a child who may have stumbled upon it. After contacting Wildlife I discovered that the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador has no regulations in respect to where or what type of trap can be used in residential areas. As long as it is within season & trapper is licensed it is perfectly acceptable. I believe it is time for the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador, in particular the Dept. of Environment and Conservation, Wildlife Ecosystem Management & Planning, Inland Fish & Wildlife Division, to take a serious look into this problem & have restrictions placed on where & what type of traps can be used near residential & public areas.

I keep being reminded that I should have had my dog on a leash! Amazing isn't it that someones pet has to be on a leash yet a body crushing trap can be set in residential & public areas & within' reach of children yet is acceptable!

Mr. Minister I urge you to take my request seriously. To date & to the best of my knowledge there have been no human physical injuries as a result of this type of trapping but there is a very real possibility that it could. Please act now, not later, and implement laws restricting the use & type of traps allowed in residential & public places!