Group Protests DNR Decision To Allow Expansion Of Body Grip Traps
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Demonstrators gathered at the Governor's mansion Saturday afternoon to protest a decision by the DNR to allow the expansion of a certain type of trap to public walk-in-access hunting areas.
The conibear, or "body grip," traps are used to catch bobcats and other wild animals.
But in 2012, 20 dogs in Minnesota were also caught and killed in the traps.
Protesters believe governor Dayton can overrule the DNR and stop the use of this hunting gear.
"They're going to allow trapping to be done by the land owner and anyone the land owner gives permission to trap these lands," Kevin Ouslund, of Sportsmentakeaction.org, said. "If the governor comes out in our favor, the public's favor and the hunter's favor, we can keep our land safe for our dogs."
Trappers have argued that the body grip traps are more humane than leg hold traps, and that dog owners should train their dogs to stay away or keep them on a leash.
