Man who lost dog in trap seeks law change

PATTON - Steven Krug is taking "Maggie's story" to Harrisburg.

The Patton man, who lost his beloved Brittany spaniel to an illegal body-gripping trap in November, is hoping he can amend state law to force trappers to fully submerge bucket traps in water to avoid a similar fate from happening to other pets.

He's been working with state Rep. Gary Haluska, D-Patton, who is vice chairman of the state House Game and Fisheries Committee, to amend part of Title 34 of the Game Code, and is hoping he can get local support for his effort.

"I think we can make it happen. If we can get support from local groups behind us, I know we can," Krug said.

The Patton-area man has been drawing attention to metal body gripping traps since his dog Maggie was killed by one on a hunting trip in November. The trap - an illegal one - was placed inside a bucket alongside a creek and the spaniel put her head inside, triggering the trap around her neck and killing her.

Krug said he isn't trying to set his sights on trappers but worries that illegal traps and improperly placed bucket traps could continue to harm or kill other family pets.

While current regulations indicate bucket traps should be in waterways, the language is vague, he says.

Haluska agrees.

"It says the bucket must be in a seasonal waterway it could pretty much be a ditch that has water in it," he said.

But Haluska, himself a hunter, wants to ensure any changes will be fair.

He says he'll talk to area trappers before getting too far ahead, noting once the game and fisheries committee looks at it, the state Trapping Association will likely weigh in, as well.

"It's obviously going to take some time to get things moving," Haluska added, noting the plan will likely be brought to the committee after Monday when state leaders are back in session.

A public hearing might also be warranted, he noted.

At least one area sportsman seemed to approve of the idea this week.

"It probably is a good idea," said James R. Blake of Patton, a former trapper who recently gave up the sport. "Not just because of safety concerns, but it would be more humane for the animals caught in it."

Blake said he was taught that bucket traps should be nearly submerged in water anyway.

Krug said he too has talked to trappers and believes the proposed change wouldn't rub most trappers the wrong way.

He's hopeful he'll find support from local hunters, dog-lovers and other groups.

"I'll push for this forever if I have to; whatever it takes," he said, hopeful it will bring closure to a painful family loss. "But I'm hopeful. All it really takes is a few strokes of a pen to make a difference."