Grace's Legacy

 

Walk organized for dog killed in dike trap

by Nick Riley

In honour of a dog named Jake - killed on the Pitt River dike last year by an illegally set trap - the Fur-Bearer Defenders are holding a dog walk in Burnaby next Saturday.

"The Fur-Bearer Defenders would like to honour Jake and his family through this event, and at the same time raise awareness about unnecessary animal suffering due to traps," volunteer Claire Robinson said in a press release from the defenders, a non-profit society previously called the Fur Bearers. "The very same trap that killed Jake is being set for fur-bearing animals all across our country."

The Hartford family's Labrador-shepherd cross was killed last December when a Sunday-morning walk ended with the snap of a trap set illegally near a path by the Pitt River . Donna Hartford and a friend were taking their two dogs for a walk when they decided to let their pets off the leash for a sniff around. Hartford 's six-year-old pet's head was pinned by the Conibear trap, which she and a passerby were unable to pry open.

The dog walk will take place in Burnaby 's Central Park on May 3, with a presentation, trail walk, information booth, snacks and beverages, and petitions to stop the use of traps in urban areas.

"I know it happened in Pitt Meadows, but this is a central location," Robinson said about the choice of location, adding the event is open for anyone interested in their cause. "You don't have to have a dog because it is basically for anybody... dogs, kids and families."

Robinson said that Donna and Tim Hartford have been consulted for their input on the event, and confirmed the family will be participating in the walk in some form. She said the society will also have traps with them, and will show both how the traps work and how to free a trapped animal from one.

"They have several traps that they bring to events to raise awareness...it really shows how cruel these traps are," she said, adding they are planning a friendly, family atmosphere, for information, not a sombre ceremony.

Organizers are encouraging anyone who wants to attend to wear a piece of yellow clothing in support of the event, which will take place at noon , rain or shine. Admission will be by donation to the society. For more information, call the Fur Bearer Defenders at 435-1850.

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