TrailSafe: For Humane Trails. Keeping Nevada trails and recreation safe from steel jaw leghold traps.

Plan to ban trapping near residential areas in Washoe is rejected
By Jeff DeLong • jdelong@rgj.com • December 3, 2010

A plan to ban trapping near residential areas of Washoe County was rejected by Nevada wildlife commissioners Friday after pest control professionals and agricultural officials complained they were left out of discussions.
Commissioners voted 5-3 against the petition sought by the citizens group TrailSafe but stressed they remain open to the idea of limiting trapping near homes.
'I feel it's a valid concept. The petition is wrong as written,' Commissioner Gerald Lent of Reno.
The board referred the issue to a policy committee for additional discussion, with possible approval coming at a later date.
Saying dogs and cats are being caught and injured by traps, which also could pose a threat to small children, TrailSafe members sought to ban leg traps within 3,000 feet of occupied homes in Washoe County.
The idea was supported by officials from the Nevada Department of Wildlife and Washoe County Regional Animal Services. The Nevada Trappers Association also endorsed it.
'It is a no-brainer ... in congested areas,' argued Mitch Snyder, animal services manager. 'We need to limit this. It does happen far more often than we would like to see.'
Issues at stake
But commissioners balked at accepting the petition after representatives of several pest control companies and officials from the Nevada Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services objected. They expressed concern the rule could impact their operations and said they were not able to properly participate in talks leading up to Friday's meeting.
'I don't think the proper stakeholders have had their say,' said Darrell Ennes of Terminix International. Ennes said the rule as drafted 'very may well' interfere with his company's pest control activities.
Reaction offered
Assemblyman Ira Hansen, R-Sparks, who has been a licensed trapper for 36 years, argued there is 'absolutely no need' for a regulation he insists is being pushed by those seeking an outright ban on trapping in Nevada.
'They may pretend they aren't anti-trapping. They're out to stop all trapping completely,' Hansen said.
Supporters countered they are merely after a rule limiting trapping that poses danger close to homes.
'It makes total sense to not allow trapping in congested areas of Washoe County,' said Elaine Carrick of Reno. 'There will be tens of thousands of people who will be positively affected.'
Dr. Stacy Baker, a Tahoe-area veterinarian, said she has treated many pets caught in traps and badly hurt.
'We've seen multiple cases of trapper-inflicted wounds,' Baker said. 'We see horrible, life-altering injuries to pets because of traps.'
'This is an urban problem,' agreed Christine Schwamberger of Carson City, adding that the problem of pets being caught in traps has 'resonated hugely with the public.'