Each year in Vermont, traps injure, maim and kill both targeted and non-targeted animals, including bobcats, otters, owls, eagles and our pets. Thirteen pets were *reported* trapped last year, including two dogs that died in traps set for wildlife.

According to Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s 2022 Furbearer Newsletter, an average of 8,847 furbearers have been trapped annually since 2011. This figure does not include non-targeted animals like owls, turtles, and other non-furbearers. Furbearer species include river otters, foxes, bobcats, and ten other species.  According to a 2022 furbearer survey conducted at the request of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, 68% of Vermonters oppose recreational trapping and 62% of Vermonters oppose trapping for fur or clothing.

Brenna Galdenzi, President of Protect Our Wildlife, shared that efforts to ban or restrict trapping are not new to Vermont. “The Vermont public has spoken in various surveys and it is clear that the majority oppose trapping and killing animals merely for tradition, recreation, or to peddle pelts to China and Russia,” Galdenzi said. "Wildlife is facing unprecedented threats, many of them precipitated by the effects of climate—we should be looking at how we can better protect wildlife, not haphazardly injuring and killing untold numbers of animals for sport."

Bills H.191 & S.111 seek to severely restrict the use of leghold and body-crushing kill traps. If passed, this will save countless animals from this indiscriminate killing. Learn more about the bill here.

Protect Our Wildlife has a library of photos and videos illustrating animals with bloodied paws and mouths and other visible injuries due to traps. This video includes footage of animals trapped in Vermont. Trapping can no longer survive in the 21st century because it can no longer hide in the shadows—the world is waking up to trapping cruelties and is demanding change. Be that change!

***PLEASE NOTE: If you donate to this campaign, the funds DO NOT go to Protect Our Wildlife.***