Editor:
I was disappointed to read (Coast Reporter, Sept. 14) that any plans for passing a no-trapping bylaw have been effectively swept under the rug.
Council (with the exception of Doug Hockley) has chosen to ignore extensive input from its constituents, and instead accepted the self-serving recommendations of the Fur Institute of Canada, for Sechelt to be a test case "working with the provincial government to create an urban wildlife strategy for B.C. to address the issue." Sounds like a lot of nothing and it'll never happen, which is exactly what the FIC is counting on.
The Fur Institute is an organization whose purpose is to sell furs to unenlightened countries. It whole-heartedly supports the seal hunt (which may entail clubbing seals to death or skinning them alive). They, of course, support the "right" of trappers to set traps. As for council even inviting their input is like Red Riding Hood asking the big bad wolf for advice.
I believe Sechelt currently has one active trapper. So this one man's right to indulge in his cruel and archaic sport and set hidden traps wherever he pleases out-weighs the rights of the many people who want to safely enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking with their dogs and kids.
Seven municipalities in B.C. have already instituted no-trapping bylaws, and Surrey is in the process of doing so. Our council is still worried about the enforceability of such a law. But to have a bylaw sends a clear message to trappers -and to the government - that this type of activity is not acceptable and that public safety will not be jeopardized. Let the courts decide about enforcement if necessary.
Cecilia Ohm-Eriksen, Sechelt
