Siberian husky killed after triggering Conibear trap on B.C. forest road

People reports that Moon, a 2-year-old Siberian husky, died after triggering a Conibear trap set alongside Horsethief Creek Forest Service Road in British Columbia.

Owner Sean Boxall told CTV News and the Calgary Herald that he had driven up the road, exited his truck to explore an unplowed trail and noticed a trapline sign partially obscured by branches. He said he called for Moon, who was off-leash, and saw the trap clamp down on the dog’s neck; Boxall said he tried to free Moon with his hands, which were torn and bloody, and ultimately cut the trap with a chainsaw before attempting CPR. Boxall told CTV News that the pet had "triggered a freshly baited Conibear trap" and that Moon "suffered an atrocious and agonizing death."

The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks said conservation officers investigated, interviewed the owner and trapper, and determined the trapper was licensed, the trapline placement was legal, the trapping season was open and warning signage had been placed, concluding that "no offense had occurred" and enforcement action would not be pursued. In response to the incident, Boxall and his partner Nicole Trigg have proposed "Moon's Law," seeking stricter rules such as moving traps away from roadways and making them easier to open.

Key Topics

World, Siberian Husky, Conibear Trap, Horsethief Creek, Sean Boxall, Moon's Law