Animal rights groups are “all up in a tizzy” over the recent work of the Massachusetts legislature to make a minor change to the ballot initiative passed by voters over a decade ago that banned trapping in the state. Based on the rhetoric, you’d think the legislature were trying to overturn the ban and re-instate legalized trapping in the state. If only.
The change would simply make it easier for landowners with animal damage problems to jump through the hoops placed on them by their local health department. Here’s some of the bill language:
If no response is provided by the municipal board of health within 10 calendar days or the application is denied, the applicant or his duly authorized agent may transfer the application for the emergency permit to the director. If the director determines that such a threat exists, it shall immediately issue the emergency permit to alleviate the existing threat to human health and safety, for a period not exceeding 10 days.
If said threat to human health and safety has not been alleviated within said ten days, the applicant or his duly authorized agent shall apply to the granting authority for an extension permit to continue the use of alleviation techniques, specified in this section, for a period not exceeding 30 days. If the granting authority determines that such a threat to human health or safety exists, as defined in this section, the authority shall immediately issue an extension permit.
Essentially, the changes give the landowner a bit more leverage when trying to get a permit from the government to deal with animal damage (mostly beaver) problems.
I don’t have the original bill language, but I believe the original version (described in Marc Folco’s column) was watered down quite a bit after going through multiple readings and being sent back from liberal governor Devall Patrick’s desk with amendments.
Even though I and many others would love to see the trap ban reversed in Massachusetts, this bill seems like a common sense patch to help those dealing with animal damage problems get through the red tape caused by excess government regulation.
This bill was so messed up by all the changes, the Govenor tried to please all the people and added a layer of crap so deep. It would have taken an act of congress to get a permit. The changes that were made to the bill this last try did some good. The changes required the health depts to act in a timely manner (10 days). There was no time frame for them to act before and it sometimes took weeks to get permits. This also required the reporting of the beaver caught to DF&W. This information has been lacking and they can’t give good numbers on beaver populations. The info they are giving out now is based on a best guess and not real sampling. Some people have had problems getting permits but we have never been turned down, as long as the problem met the requirments. In season a trapper can trap without a permit if he/she uses Hancock, Bailey, or cage traps. The fact that many trapper refuse to use them or don’t have them is not a reason for a permit. We trap about 300 beaver a year in MA and most in season without permits.
This newer version of the bill is now dead as the Congress is in informal session and it only takes one congressmen to block it and that did happen. I feel that the blockage was because it would have made things easier. It believe that this person supports the MTA policy to do nothing and have the public scream loud enough and then maybe the Goverment will overturn the trap ban all together. This is some of the thoughts from people I know in the business. From the view of a full time beaver controller this bill would have made our life a lot easier. If the 1996 trap ban was overturned that would be good too.
My view from the cheap seats
Don LaFountain
Don,
Thanks a lot for your comments and insight on the issue. I truly hope that something is done to help you guys get permits in a timely manner, and hopefully someday the trapping ban will be overturned.
I have to agee with Don..As I also am a Full time Wildlife Control Operator in this state Massachusetts,
These people in congress are doing nothing to push this Bill foward, apparently
making things easier in this state are not on thier schedule !
So I guess in the meantime , Congress will continue to spin it’s wheels on this issue..AS USUAL..
Joe Robidoux ..Just my 2 cents
I do believe that they need to make things easier for people to trap be it officials or trappers. The BMPs out there for trapping essentially get thrown out the window when it comes to trapping in this state. Everything that has been down has increased human animal contact in this state (at least in my area) because they are less controlled. Animals now get view as pests which never should happen. I’m not sure about others but I can afford a recreational trapping in this state having to pay $100 for one trap that coyotes may get wary of after repeated use.
Bring back true trapping,
Paul Reed II