The Department of Natural Resources Board approved changes in the use of an animal trapping device called a cable restraint on Wednesday.
The board has given the green light to several proposals approved at April wildlife hearings, including the use of foot-activated cable restraints and changes in restraints to improve the catching of smaller animals like foxes, bobcats and coyotes. Melissa Tedrowe of the Humane Society of the United States asked the board to oppose the modified restraints and to prohibit trapping where wolves may be present.
“Traps including cable restraints are cruel and non-selective. They indiscriminately harm wolves and all other species whose feet touch the ground,” said Tedrowe.
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However, the DNR says the restraints are designed not to injure an animal. The board passed the trapping changes on a voice vote.
The issue could come up later if the gray wolf is taken back off the endangered species list in Wisconsin, making it legal once more to shoot and trap wolves.
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