Dog Caught in Otter Trap Sparks New Rules For Trappers

A West Linn family’s dog whose spine was damaged in a trap and who became a symbol of a push to change Oregon’s trapping rules has been euthanized as a result of lingering injuries and pain. The 8-year-old, 38-pound wheaten terrier Kieri and her owner, were on a bird-watching walk in February when she was caught along a trail by a device meant to kill otters and beavers quickly. Kieri is not the only dog to have been caught in these traps. There were half dozen dogs reported to have been caught in traps last winter in Central Oregon, three times more than usual. State wildlife officials think that trappers have responded to high gasoline prices by staying closer to town and that a dry winter has enticed more hikers to use land where traps are set.

Kieri’s owner wants the state to ban the use of large body-gripping traps on land and require more ethics training for trappers. He also wants warnings at trailheads in areas containing traps and says traps should be marked if they are within 100 feet of a trail. Members of the Oregon Trappers Association have met with Kieri’s onwer along with wildlife officials to discuss rule changes that would keep pets and people safer and provide more training for trappers. The Fish and Wildlife Commission meets next month for a biennial review of its rules.