A bill pending in the Minnesota Senate seeks to modify requirements for and uses of certain traps used in hunting, and would require the reporting of pets or companion animals discovered to have been ensnared. The bill, Senate File 1325, will be considered by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee's Subcommittee on Fish and Wildlife at 4PM on Monday, March 9. All owners and enthusiasts are encouraged to contact the members of the committee (listed below) and express their thoughts on the legislation.
The American Kennel Club encourages and strongly supports the interaction and mutual enjoyment of owners and dogs in sporting activities such as hunting and field trials; in working circumstances such as herding, tracking, and pulling; and in competitive events such as dog shows, obedience trials, agility trials, and other performance events and tests. The AKC believes that dogs should be properly cared for, humanely trained, and not pushed beyond reasonable limits for which they were bred. AKC supports measures that help ensure the safety of dogs participating in such activities.
As introduced, SF 1325 would:
- Modify the acceptable uses of body-gripping traps.
- Limit a person from setting or placing a trap or snare on private property, other than property owned or occupied by the person, unless the person has the written permission of the owner, occupant, or lessee of the private property.
- Require a person who finds a pet or companion animal taken in the person's trap or snare to notify a conservation officer or employee of the Fish and Wildlife Division within 24 hours after the animal is discovered by the person or the taking is reported to the person. Failure to do so would result in a misdemeanor and loss of license.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Concerned Minnesota residents are encouraged to contact the members of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee's Fish and Wildlife Subcommittee, and let them know your thoughts on SF 1325.
- State Senator Matt Schmit, Subcommittee Chair – sen.matt.schmit@senate.mn
- State Senator David M. Brown – sen.david.brown@senate.mn
- State Senator Chris A. Eaton – Click here for email form for Senator Eaton.
- State Senator John A. Hoffman – sen.john.hoffman@senate.mn
- State Senator David J. Osmek – sen.david.osmek@senate.mn
For more information, contact AKC's Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or email doglaw@akc.org.
A bill pending in the Minnesota Senate seeks to modify requirements for and uses of certain traps used in hunting, and would require the reporting of pets or companion animals discovered to have been ensnared.