Search Trapping Incidents Database

Smoki was caught for several hours in a neighbor’s leghold trap (the second time a cat in this neigborhood has been caught in this neighbors trap). In addition to injuries severe enough to warrant amputation of a hind leg, had a broken jaw, which the veterinarian wired for 3 weeks. Cost: $400 – $500. Authorities said the neighbor “had every right” to have this trap on his property.

Only 150 yards from his home, on private property across a river, Joe died shortly after being caught in the trap. It took 24 hours to locate him. Although avid trail hikers who welcome dogs on their hikes, Joe’s caregivers now feel this activity has been taken away from them. “According to the DNR, there could be hundreds of these [traps] in this area. The traps are hidden in makeshift logs, and baited.” The woman who reported this incident wrote, “My husband and I would be harassed if we spoke out publicly in the area. The majority of the hunters in this area poach and do not follow any specific laws.” The trap was not illegal.

About 100 yards from the parking lot of a popular hiking/biking trail, the sheepdog, Mick, was caught in a leghold trap. While his caregiver was freeing Mick, the terrier came up to see what was going on and was immediately caught in a second leghold trap, and became so terrifed she bit the man trying to free her. The sheepdog had a bruised bone and limped for several weeks; otherwise there was no permanent physical damage. The traps were legal.

A woman had taken her dogs, Harper and Hero for a walk in a leash-free area adjacent to an expressway. Harper walked near a fence a few meters from the walking trail and stuck his head in the trap, which snapped around his neck. The woman was immediately drawn by the dog’s howls, but could not free him. He gasped for air before dying in her arms. The trap was set legally.

While searching for a missing person a desert area near homes and a road, Search and Rescue K9 Hope almost stepped on two side by side engaged leghold traps. This was a close call, as the traps were noticed just in time by the handler before the dog could step on them.

Oneida County, NY — An unnamed dog was caught in a Conibear 220 trap that was legally placed in the Penn Mountain State Forest.

Hunter was caught in a Conibear 220 trap that was unlabeled and 30 feet off a hiking trail at Stone Mountain in the woods. Hunter choked to death within 5 minutes, and it took 15 minutes to hacksaw the trap off. The trap was illegal, set by an unknown poacher.

A woman and her two daughters saw their dog, Meesha, killed by a seven-inch Conibear 220 trap set a short distance from one of the cross-country ski center’s trails.

Taking PeeWee for a walk in the patch of woods behind his house, he found her lying next to the river by the trees. The trap was around her neck and she died while he was trying to release it. The trap was set for a raccoon, set on its side on the pathway and held up with two sticks.

On a state game land, where Browning’s caregivers frequently walk him and sightsee with their two daughters (ages 2 and 4). Browning was in the trap for about 10 minutes before being rescued. “He can hardly walk on it today from it being so sore and swollen,” writes his caregiver, who adamantly opposes traps. “This is my second pet to fall victim to a trap,” she adds. “Unfortunately, my cat was not as lucky, and after five days and two chewed-off hind legs, she was able to crawl home to us, only to have to be euthanized immediately. She fell victim to an illegal trap on my grandmother’s posted land.”