04-22-81 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES City Council April 22, 1981 Mr. Joel Anderson, a resident on LaBore Road and past president of the Minnesota Trappers Association,appeared before the Council. Mr. Anderson state~ that he is a biologist and that biologists recognize that the artificial management of wildlife is necessary. Mr. Anderson stated that starvation antl disease are the alternatives to trapping. Mr. Flnderson informed the Council that the average citizen does not know what is 9n the best interests of wi1dlife population. Mr. Anderson cited several Sta~e Statutes which state that the type of trapping ordinance the City is considering is on7y within the jurisdictron of the DNR. The City has the authority to address a public hea1th problem in this regard, but this is clearly not the issue in Little Canada. Mr. Anderson demonstrated several types of traps to the Counci7. Mr. Anderson also informed the Council that the leg hold trap shou1d not be banned as the trap will not even break an animal's bone. Mr. Flnderson felt that the novice trapper is the one that will cause problems with traps. Mrs. Scalze expressed concern that animals wi11 chew their own legs off when trapped in a leg hold trap. Mr. Flnderson felt that this was not true. Anderson then proceeded to pass out to the Council literature on trapping. He stated that there are three ways that animals will die. These are disease, starvation, and harvest by man. Anderson felt that harvest by man was the most tolerable. It was also stated by Flnderson that there are no animals in the United States that are in danger of being wiped out by trapping. Anderson also felt that the State's trespass law would take care of any problems with trappers trespassing on someone's property. Flnderson informed the Council that he, as a trapper, ,qoes out of his way to make sure he does not catch someone's pet or a non-target animal, Flnderson also stated that he has not seen an unwanted animal that has been caught that could not have been released without damage. Anderson also stated that the fact that 1eash laws are not enforced is a health hazard. Flnderson recommended that the City adopt the model ordinance that is presently proposed in the State Legislature. This ordinance reflects concern for the private landowner and trespassing. It also provides for trapping on public property by permit. There will also be an amendment before the Senate that will allow cities to regulate trapping on public land. Carl Spooner appeared before the Council and stated that if the Counc9l feels a trapping ordinance is necessary they should adopt one and not be influenced by the DNR or trappers. The Council should use their own good judgement. Page -6-