Key Points For Anti-Trapping Activism

Includes an animal advocate’s analysis of a study conducted for pro-trapping organizations, including key points that may have relevance to anti-trapping activism.

This study shows that people are becoming less negative toward trapping, possibly due to increases in wildlife inhabiting suburban and urban areas, decreases in the amount of anti-trapping information being disseminated to the public by animal rights organizations, and generally more tolerant attitudes of the public toward trapping.

The use of the term “regulated” in conjunction with trapping correlates positive opinions on trapping.

Females (64%) are more likely to be opposed to trapping than males (36%).

The reasons for trapping are important to the acceptance of or objection to trapping; people are more likely to reject trapping for fur, recreation, money, or for recreation. Trapping that ultimately helps wildlife or to protect humane health or property are more acceptable.

Trapping is more acceptable to respondents if it is used for relocation or reintroduction, if the non-target animals are released, if it is made more humane, if the animals die quickly, and/or if the whole animal is used. There is indication that most people believe everyone should have the freedom to choose to trap.