Body-gripping traps are inhumane and cause needless suffering. Traps often catch non-targeted wildlife, pets and even people. In the last few months alone in New Mexico, three instances have been documented in which people and/or pets have been caught and injured in steel-jaw traps.

In New Mexico, trappers carry catchpoles in order to release non-targeted animals and pets. However, once a body part is caught in a trap, it is crushed and mangled. The animal is then left struggling to hunt and fighting possible infection and blood loss.

Currently, land traps (any trap set on land) are allowed to be set just 25 yards  off of public trails and roads, and a quarter of a mile away from campsites, boat ramps and other public establishments. Traps in public areas are dangerous to hikers, campers and pets.

Arizona and Colorado have banned the use of body-gripping traps. Urge New Mexico to do the same.

Photo credit: Don DeBold