Agenda - 05-26-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 GILBERT PETTY spoke in opposition of the ban of the leghold traps. He spoke about depredation of livestock and the overpopulation of racoons, muskrats, and the beavers. The beavers dam up the water and flood the fields. Muskrats cause a problem in the fish ponds. The only way to prevent problems is to control the population of these animals. Rabies are spread by these wild animals. The State has humane guidelines that must be followed. He stated he is a state licensed trapper. The leghold steel jawed trap is the most essential weapon against wild animals. The State also regulates the size of the traps. DEAN A. DETER spoke about the depredation of cattle. He endorsed the proposed Ordinance stating that nearly every livestock producer in Orange County has suffered some lost over the years due to freeroaming dogs. The problem is not primarily caused by wild or hunting dogs but by pets whose owners who do not respect the rights of others. DR. ANNE GROSS spoke about the steel leghold trap. She expressed support for the ban on the traps stating that there are alternatives that can be used that are a lot more humane. DR. E. V. VANSTEE commented on the standards for facilities that house animals. These facilities have been divided into three categories - commercial kennels, non-commercial kennels and pet stores. Pet owners should be able to feel assured that when their pets are boarded that these animals are going to be cared for according to the same high standards the owners have provided. He stated that quite often cruelty complaints arise in connection to private ownership of groups of animals. The standards for non-commercial kennels will provide public access to these facilities in case of complaints. He pointed out that if an animal falls out of the back of an open pickup truck that not only may the fall cause harm to the animal but may cause a potential traffic hazard. He explained the cross tie method that is recommended. He spoke about the steel leghold traps and the injuries caused by these traps. DR. JOHN W. GRANDY , Vice-President of the Wildlife Organization for the Humane Society for the United States stated that across the United States communities are developing ordinances which provide comprehensive regulations to protect the health and safety of pets, domestic animals and people, to prohibit cruelty to animals and to provide adequate community financial support for the critical services provided by animal control. As a biologist, he stated that saying trapping will prevent the overpopulation of animals is wrong. Most wild animals will limit their own population through natural means. Trapping is primarily done because trappers sell furs. It is inaccurate that trapping will keep the population disease free. Trappers are more likely to catch healthy animals than those that are unhealthy or diseased. When animals contract rabies they die. There are alternatives to the leghold trap when trapping is necessary. The leghold trap is cruel and inhumane. On behalf of the Humane Society of the United States he urged the adoption of the Ordinance. JON DENSBACH , member of the North Carolina Network for Animals, made comments about the health of the wildlife population. Because of the population growth in the County, animal habitat and homes are disappearing. Animals need time to search out for new homes and to adapt to new surroundings. Traps take young healthy animals while natural populations regulate themselves by taking the weak and sick animals.