Local animal rights activist asks for ban on beaver trapping along Saugeen River trail

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WALKERTON – Bobbi Sharpe, a local animal rights activist, addressed Brockton Council on Dec. 9 about an ongoing issue – trapping beavers along the Saugeen River in Walkerton.

Not only are these creatures harming no one, but they are a delight to observe in their natural habitat for those fortunate enough to see them, she told council. 

Two years ago, she protested the use of kill traps along a section of river that’s popular with fishermen, hikers and their animal companions. The traps were removed. “Now they [the kill traps] are back,” said Sharpe. They’re located in an area where fishermen continue to be seen in the river. She said she doesn’t know who put the traps there, or if any beavers have been killed.

She told council that trapping along the Saugeen harms not only adult beavers, but their kits. The kits remain with the parents for two years, and without them, the babies die from starvation and exposure. She noted that is animal cruelty.

‘Painful death’

The traps can harm deer, turtles, geese and people. Although designed to kill the trapped beaver quickly, they don’t necessarily do so, meaning the animal suffers a long and painful death.

Trapping is unnecessary, she said, saying that nature regulates numbers. When numbers are reduced, for example, by trapping, the numbers actually increase. If left alone, the numbers remain in balance.

She noted there are a number of organizations that offer solutions to “nuisance” beavers, and asked council for a resolution banning the use of kill traps along the Saugeen River trail. 

“We are not the only species,” she said, adding that beaver are “living, sentient beings.”

Mayor Chris Peabody said staff will prepare a report on the situation. He also said, “I don’t feel comfortable with trapping in the park, as a user of the trail.”

Although Sharpe declined to answer questions from council, she provided printed information and asked council members to consider what she’d said.

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