As a veterinarian working in the ER for 17 years, I have treated numerous pets who have had the misfortune of injury after becoming trapped in devices intended for fur-bearing animals. Many of these pets require amputations and some are even euthanized because of the extent of their injuries. Recently, my own dog stepped in a trap and although he was fortunate to escape injury, the experience was harrowing. I want to help prevent this tortuous pain and psychological trauma from occurring in any other animal, domesticated or wild.  

Traps are legal, are often baited, and can be placed a mere 50 ft from established trails on public lands where dogs are permitted to run off leash. These traps pose a serious threat to not only domesticated pets, but to the unique wildlife of our public lands. 

Please help Oregon become one of several states that is re-evaluating this archaic and inhumane tradition and demand the prohibition of the use of poisons and traps on Oregon’s public lands.

Traps, including steel-jaw, leg-hold traps, wire snares, and other body-gripping devices, and poisons do not differentiate between species and pose an indiscriminate danger to all.

Traps and poisons cause death and harm to many animals including bears, bobcats, foxes, endangered wolves, otters, raptors, and companion animals.

The use of traps and poisons is inconsistent with “fair chase” principles of ethical hunting, and their usage depletes wildlife communities. Please help end the torture and suffering of so many creatures on our public lands.