Northern Ontario fur trapping group warns pet owners to keep pets close-by on Crown Land

A northern Ontario fur trapping group is warning pet owners to keep their animals close by and not let them run off marked trails while using Crown Land.

The Timmins Fur Council issued a warning on social media last week, after a Timmins woman let her two large dogs run into the bush about two weeks ago. The dogs became caught in baited snare traps around their necks, leading to one of them suffering injuries.

Trapping is legal on Crown Land and is most active between October and April. Trapping is used to harvest aquatic and land fur, and is carried out by hundreds of trappers across northern Ontario.

Kaileigh Russell is the president of the Timmins Fur Council, and says people need to know that traps will be out there in some areas. She says pet owners and trappers each have responsibilities when using shared spaces.

"If you're out in the bush with your dog, you are legally required to have care and control," said Russell. 

"So a lot of times that means having a very well trained recall for your dog and being able to have eyes on your dog. For some, if your dog is not trained or does not have a good solid recall, it's having them on a leash while you are there. And some people don't necessarily realize that when they're on Crown Land."

She added that keeping pets on a leash is the safest situation for them, and pet owners should also be on the lookout for any signage that warns of trap lines in the immediate area.

Russell says trappers also have a responsibility to uphold regulations, licensing and laws and everyone needs to do their part to stay safe.

The Timmins Fur Council does advocacy work and supports local trappers in the area, with approximately 120 members.