Trapping Maims Pets

To the Editor:

We feel compelled to write this open letter to all of our neighbors on or bordering Pilgrim Lane because for the second time in just over a year, two of our pets have become victims of illegal animal leg traps that were set somewhere near our home. Last year one of our kittens was ultimately killed by a trap, and last week another kitten required a leg amputation due to injuries he sustained in one.

So why write a letter? To warn you that someone close by is setting these illegal traps and that they pose a real threat to your animals and children.

The Newtown Police in both instances said there was nothing they could do. The Animal Warden, George Mattegat, has echoed the suggestions of others that we should write this letter to all of you and publish it in The Bee.

We hope not, but perhaps one of you has also fallen prey to this thoughtless neighbor who is setting traps, probably only to protect their garden. But whoever it is knows they are catching household pets, because Rocky had been released. Mercifully he did not have to chew his leg off like Peaches did to escape and crawl home.

It that images sickens you, please help us. If you know who is setting traps or if you know of other pets who have been trapped, please let us know. For the safety of all of our pets and children this person has to be stopped.

Thank you for any help you can give us.

Janet and Doug Bell

9 Pilgrim Lane, Sandy Hook                                        August 13, 2001