Animal Trap Hazards

There have been an increasing number of stories this time of year regarding dogs that are being killed in animal traps. As towns and cities grow, and urban-wildland interfaces change, pets in these areas may experience unintended human made hazards. This story is about a man who was arrested for setting traps in a public park - some of which killed dogs. The video below is from out west, but it also indicates that dogs getting caught in traps is not uncommon.

Also, owners with dogs near wildlife areas should remember that nature poses hazards as well. This time of year there are many dogs falling through ice on lakes and ponds. Throughout the year I see stories regarding attacks by large predators looking for food (or sometimes protecting domain). Wolves and coyotes can pose threats to dogs of many sizes, and birds of prey can take smaller dogs.