- Trapping is cruel: trapped animals endure stress, dehydration, starvation, broken bones, dislocations, predation, and even self-amputation.
- Trapping is indiscriminate: unlike hunting, traps maim and kill non-target animals. Endangered species and companion animals are often caught in traps.
- Trapping is a public safety hazard: every year, companion and working dogs are caught in traps. This year, some have been trapped that resulted in amputation and, in two cases, death. Traps are a danger to people too.
- Trapping is a drain on wildlife: for only $20, a trapper can kill as many furbearers as he wants and is not liable for the bycatch. Trapping denudes our public landscapes of native species – in many cases, key ecosystem engineers – for private profit. Pelts mostly end up in Eastern Europe and Asia. Trappers pay no gross receipts tax.
- New Mexico lawmakers should pass SB 32 Roxy’s Law, which would ban private, commercial traps across New Mexico public lands, making them safer for people, pets, and wildlife.