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Ms. Marshall <br /> June 12, 1987 <br /> Page Three <br /> valuable ones. No one has ever heard of trappers wanting to <br /> trap chickadees, cardinals, and many other "nongame" animals, <br /> even though all are subject to the rigors of winter and <br /> possible starvation. <br /> Furthermore, Mr. Wilson suggested that steel traps were <br /> used to lower population density of animals so that infectious <br /> diseases are not transmitted. This assertion, like the <br /> others, simply does not stand scrutiny. First, only major <br /> reduction in animal populations could reduce the spread of <br /> infectious disease and wildlife management agencies do not <br /> attempt to reduce wildlife populations to that level. To <br /> understand why, one needs only to think of an analogy: random <br /> killing of wildlife as a means of reducing the transmission of <br /> infectious diseases, makes no more sense than randomly killing <br /> people to reduce the spread of infectious human disease. <br /> Morality and laws aside for the moment, a primary reason in <br /> both cases would be that the level of population reduction <br /> would need to be so great as to make such a program <br /> unworkable. Finally, one needs to realize once again that <br /> many animals get disease, but trappers only trap those animals <br /> whose pelts are valuable. This recognition points up salient <br /> and overriding conclusions: trapping with steel traps is not <br /> done to limit disease or disease transmission; it is not done <br /> to stop animal starvation or to maintain healthy <br /> populations. These are only convenient rationalizations for <br /> what is simply a commercial endeavor. <br /> Finally, opponents of your ordinance should recall that <br /> the the ordinance would not ban all trapping. It would simply <br /> protect people and pets by banning trapping with injurious and <br /> inhumane steel traps: that is Conibear and steel jaw leghold <br /> type traps. Alternative traps for necessary trapping are <br /> available, and your bill even provides for a waiver in cases <br /> where animals are causing depredations. <br /> If I may provide additional information on traps, <br /> trapping, or wildlife, please do not hesitate to contact me. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> c .y�� <br /> - ice President <br /> Wildlife & Environment <br /> JWG:pj l <br />