On the morning of Boxing Day, Victoria Lethbridge and her partner braved the new snow in their snowshoes for a walk with their dog and baby near their Hickman’s Harbour residence. However, their outing took a tragic turn when their four-year-old pug, Winston, was fatally ensnared in a beaver trap placed along the trail.
The distressing incident left Lethbridge haunted by the memory, expressing reluctance to revisit that particular trail. Meanwhile, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Jason Bennett faced a similar scare when his husky, Brody, got caught in a spring-loaded trap near the 5 Wing Goose Bay base. Fortunately, Bennett managed to free Brody without harm.
Both Lethbridge and Bennett are advocating for updated trapping regulations to prevent future pet injuries and fatalities. While trapping is a government-regulated activity essential for wildlife management and deeply ingrained in Newfoundland and Labrador’s heritage, there are currently no provincial guidelines regarding the placement of traps near community trails or the mandatory display of warning signs.
In response to these incidents, the Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands expressed intentions to enhance efforts in educating both trappers and pet owners on preventing such occurrences. They emphasized the importance of pet owners controlling their animals in accordance with provincial and municipal laws.
Lethbridge and Bennett are urging for improved regulations and clearer signage near community areas to alert pet owners about potential traps. Lethbridge suggested that a simple warning sign placed ahead could have averted the tragedy involving Winston.
Despite acknowledging trapping’s cultural significance in the region, Lethbridge believes simple measures like flags or signs could significantly reduce pet-related mishaps in the future. The community has rallied behind Lethbridge, offering messages of support and sympathy for her loss of Winston, a beloved companion who touched many hearts.
Overall, these incidents have sparked a conversation on the necessity of updating trapping regulations to safeguard pets and promote coexistence between trappers and outdoor enthusiasts in Newfoundland and Labrador.