This is what we may have to deal with in the upcoming seasons here in Nova Scotia, Canada.
All of this because of mainly a bunch of free roaming dogs that have been caught in legally set traps.
The people behind this seem to believe that only trappers in NS have this magical right of going onto unposted, privately owned, forested land in NS for the purpose of setting traps. While the Trespassing Act does state that an individual may enter upon unposted, privately owned forested land for the purpose of carrying out a LEGAL activity (hunting, trapping, hiking, etc) this includes all individuals. Anybody affected by distance regulations (trappers, hunters) must stay outside of those limitations unless we have permission otherwise. The greater majority of trappers do get permission to be on private land.
The scenario exists here that Miss/Mr. Dog Owner can trespass on unposted private land that I or anyone else is trapping with permission and have their animal caught in a legally set trap. Who will be the bad guy then?
As well, here in NS, dogs must be under the care and control of the owner, not running willy nilly. These people want the law changed so their animals can run at large on their own property.
These possible changes include:
1 kilometer set back from residences
Landowner written permisson
Trap area flagged
No trapper will be alowed to claim he does this for a living, and will be classified as a recreation.
No traps within 75 meters of a road or trail
Definition of a trail changed to "any path that offers thoroughfare to people or animals"
Edited by NSTrapper (02/25/07 09:11 AM)
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