Sunday, Dec. 1, was just a normal day for a young couple that decided to take their dog Betsy for a walk along the Clark Fork River. In Missoula, few would be concerned about traps; many still do not understand how prevalent they remain across our state. But on this early afternoon hike they were going to come face to face with the horror of their own dog being caught and dying in a trap.

The traps set were illegal; the trappers were caught due to some good sleuthing by authorities. They were issued fines, but a precious dog has once again lost its life at the hands of those who seek to steal innocent life. No words can bring the dog back; for the victims, its owners, it is beyond heartbreaking.