Dog inspires legislation to ban trapping

It’s called Roxy’s Law. It’s named after a dog who died while trapped in a snare last year.

The Trap-Free New Mexico coalition wants to protect domestic animals and wildlife from the traps.

"Last year, we had a dozen incidents reported to us. This year we've heard of about four or five and trapping season isn't even halfway over,” said Chris Smith who works with the coalition.

Smith doesn't believe the current trap regulations are enough.

“Traps are required to be 25 yards from a trail. The Department of Game and Fish proposes that distance to be increased to 50 yards,” he said.

Trappers don’t want the distance to change, according to Smith.

The legislation would get all traps, snare and poisons off of public lands across New Mexico. Smith said the exceptions would be for scientific research, human health and safety and ecosystem management.

If passed, the bill will end recreational and commercial trapping of wildlife in public lands.