Trapping is still very common in many countries. It is another part of the fur-industry. Trapped animals usually get seriously hurt. It takes many hours to several days till the trapper returns. All this time, they don't have water or food, and they are an easy prey for their enemies.
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Nontarget animals.
There is also the issue of 'nontarget' animals who are trapped with the steel jaw leghold trap. Trappers casually refer to these animals as 'trash.' Because steel jaw leghold traps are not selective, any animal tripping the pan may be caught. So-called nontarget animals frequently are caught, and number in the millions every year. During a five year study conducted by the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests, the ratio of unwanted animals to target animals caught was greater than 2:1.3 . Other studies have shown higher ratios of unwanted to wanted animals. Of course, when a nursing animal is trapped, this increases the number of animals killed. Pets, like dogs or cats are also victims of traps.
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A cruel death.
Other elements add to the discomfort and misery of the trapped animal: adverse weather, exposure to predators, and the terror and suffering a 'wild' (free-living) animal experiences simply from being restrained. Females with nursing young may experience additional fear or anxiety because of strong maternal instincts. Several hours to many days may pass before the trapper arrives. Prior to this the animal may have died from dehydration, starvation or freezing. If not, death at the trapper's hands may not be quick. For example, it may be brought about slowly, by suffocation through the trapper standing on the animal's neck or chest.
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- Here you'll find a movie about animals in traps. The pictures say it all. (Mpeg 1.57 Mb)