Imagine losing your beloved pet in the most horrifying way imaginable—caught in a trap meant for wildlife, right in your community. This is the heartbreaking reality for some pet owners in Newfoundland and Labrador, who are now demanding change. But here's where it gets controversial: while trapping is deeply rooted in local culture, its proximity to community trails has sparked a heated debate about safety, regulation, and responsibility.
On Boxing Day, Victoria Lethbridge and her partner experienced every pet owner’s nightmare. Their four-year-old pug, Winston, was caught and killed in a beaver trap set just off a trail near their home in Hickman’s Harbour. ‘It was really traumatic,’ Lethbridge recalled, her voice heavy with grief. ‘I can’t even bear to walk that trail anymore.’ And this isn’t an isolated incident. In Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Jason Bennett’s husky, Brody, narrowly escaped a spring-loaded leg trap set near a popular walking area behind the 5 Wing Goose Bay military base. ‘It’s frustrating and upsetting that these traps are placed in areas where families and pets frequent,’ Bennett said, still shaken by the close call.
The core issue? A lack of clear regulations and signage. Currently, there are no provincial rules restricting small game traps near community trails or requiring warning signs. This has left pet owners feeling vulnerable and demanding action. ‘If there had been a simple sign saying ‘Traps in the Area,’ we could have leashed Winston,’ Lethbridge pointed out. ‘It’s a small change that could save lives.’
Trapping is a regulated activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, governed by licenses and guidelines outlined in the 2025-2026 hunting and trapping guide. Beaver trappers, for instance, are assigned fixed traplines. However, when it comes to community areas, trails, or parks, there are no restrictions unless a municipality specifically intervenes. The provincial government, through the Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands, has expressed sympathy for affected pet owners and pledged to improve education for both trappers and pet owners. But is this enough?
Here’s the part most people miss: While pet owners are required to keep their animals leashed off their property under the Animal Health and Protections Act, enforcing this can be impractical. Bennett, for example, argues that his husky needs to run freely to get adequate exercise. ‘He can sprint 15 to 20 kilometers an hour—I can’t keep up with him on a leash,’ he explained. Lethbridge, too, kept Winston close during walks but never imagined a trap would be set so near a community trail.
This raises a thought-provoking question: Should trapping be allowed in areas frequented by families and pets? Or should pet owners bear the sole responsibility for their animals’ safety? Lethbridge, who spoke with the trapper responsible for Winston’s death, understands the cultural significance of trapping and doesn’t blame the practice itself. ‘He’s devastated too,’ she said. ‘But a simple flag or sign could prevent future tragedies.’
The debate has ignited passionate discussions across the province, with messages of support flooding Lethbridge’s social media. ‘Winston touched so many hearts,’ she said. ‘This isn’t just our loss—it’s the community’s loss.’
What do you think? Should trapping regulations be tightened near community areas, or is it up to pet owners to ensure their animals’ safety? Share your thoughts in the comments—this conversation is far from over.
