On the day after Christmas, Victoria Lethbridge and her partner went for a morning stroll with their dog and baby using new snowshoes near their residence in Hickman’s Harbour. Unfortunately, their usual walk took a tragic turn when their four-year-old pug, Winston, got caught and killed in a beaver trap placed next to the trail. Lethbridge described the incident as highly traumatic, leading her to avoid that trail entirely.
In a separate incident in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Jason Bennett’s husky, Brody, got ensnared in a spring-loaded trap while walking in the vicinity behind the 5 Wing Goose Bay military base. Bennett managed to free Brody’s leg without harm. Expressing frustration and disbelief at such traps in a town area, Bennett emphasized the need for updated trapping regulations to prevent similar incidents.
Trapping is a regulated activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, serving as a wildlife management method deeply rooted in the region’s culture. Trappers, including beaver trappers with assigned traplines, are required to hold licenses as per the 2025-2026 hunting and trapping guide. While there are no specific restrictions on setting traps near community spaces, trails, or parks unless specified by a municipality, efforts are being made to educate trappers and pet owners on preventing such incidents.
Pet owners are urged to adhere to provincial and municipal laws mandating pet control, including leashing pets off the owner’s property, except in Labrador Inuit lands. Both recent dog incidents involved off-leash dogs near community trails. Lethbridge and Bennett underscored the importance of signage and regulations in areas prone to trapping activities to safeguard pets and enhance safety for all.
Acknowledging the significance of trapping in the local culture, Lethbridge emphasized the need for preventive measures like flags or signs to avoid future pet tragedies. The community has rallied behind Lethbridge, offering support and sympathy for the loss of Winston, reflecting the impact he had on many hearts in the area.