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North Carolina Network <br /> For S.Inc. <br /> a voice for the voiceless <br /> P.O.BOX 33565 • RALEIGH,N.C.27606 • (919) 787.5190 <br /> 23 May 1987 <br /> Ms. Shirley Marshall,Chairperson <br /> Orange County Commissioners <br /> 106 East Margaret Lane <br /> Hillsboro, N. C. <br /> Dear Ms. Marshall, <br /> On behalf of our members in Orange County, I am writing to urge that the <br /> County Commissioners ban the leg-hold trap within the boundaries of their jurisdiction. <br /> Private businessmen involved in the fur trade do not need to use the trap. <br /> Since 1985, North Carolina General Statute 113-273, Sections 1,2,and 3 has <br /> permitted domestic propagation of fur-bearing animals. <br /> Wildlife management officers do not need to use the trap. Since the state <br /> of New Jersey banned use of the leg-hold trap state-wide in 1984, many proposals <br /> for replacement of it in such programs as beaver control, for instance, have <br /> emerged and are being successfully implemented. Relocation appears to be a <br /> viable alternative. <br /> Trapping is not a sport, since there is no contest. Meat is cheaper at the <br /> grocery store -- and almost any variety is now available. <br /> The rights of an individual under civil law do not extend to the violation <br /> of others' rights. Leg-hold traps are a proven danger to hikers, children, and pets. <br /> Without economic, environmental, social, cultural, or political justification, <br /> the leg-hold trap is an anachronism the very existence of which is a painful <br /> reminder of the more cruel necessities of more primitive times. <br /> Despite trapping hobbyists' illusion that they are "re=living" the often <br /> romanticized American heritage of frontier days, it should be noted that historically, <br /> the more truly noble among our forbears forbore to kill except in necessity. Daniel <br /> Boone never wore a coonskin cap. <br /> Orange County, as home of the University of North Carolina, stands as a <br /> symbol of moral and intellectual leadership in the state. Prohibition of any <br /> cruel and unnecessary instrument of destruction within its borders is reflective <br /> of that image. The leg-hold trap is such an instrument. <br /> We therefore respectfully request that the County Commissioners take action <br /> to ban sale or use of the leg-hold trap in Orange County. <br /> Thank you. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Nye • <br /> Nancy B. Rich <br /> President <br />