Two organizations are coming together Monday to brainstorm how best to protect pets walking along trails while preserving the rights of area trappers.
The Haines Borough’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Haines Animal Rescue Kennel are hosting a screening of “Sharing Alaska’s Trails” at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the library.
The half-hour film covers recognizing where trapping occurs, how to avoid traps, and how to release pets if caught.
Parks and Rec committee member Ron Jackson said he hopes the video spurs discussion of the use conflict between trappers and dog walkers.
“It seems like every year there are one, two or three dogs getting caught in traps, so we’re just looking at ways to minimize or eliminate that,” Jackson said.
The film will be followed by a community discussion on what actions are needed to reduce dog-trap encounters in the borough.
Jackson said both parties have an interest in cutting down on the number of dogs getting stuck in traps. “It’s bad for both the trapper and the dog, because the trap is sprung so it’s not being used, and it creates a bad impression on trapping in general,” he said.
Jackson said he is leaving it up to the group to decide on some solution, which could include an ordinance or informal agreement to not trap in certain areas.