Moon, a 2-year-old Siberian husky, died after stepping into a Conibear trap on a British Columbia roadway. The incident, captured by the owner Sean Boxall, has spurred a new proposal called “Moon’s Law” that seeks tighter regulations on trapping practices across the province.
At a Glance
- Moon: 2-year-old Siberian husky that died in a trap incident
- Incident location: Horsethief Creek Forest Service Road, over 170 miles from Calgary
- Outcome: Owner and partner launched “Moon’s Law” for stricter trap rules
- Why it matters: Highlights risks of legal trapping on public lands and pushes for policy change
The Tragic Incident
Sean Boxall was driving up Horsethief Creek Forest Service Road, a remote stretch of trail in British Columbia, when he stepped out of his truck to explore an unplowed section. While walking a short distance from the vehicle, he noticed a trap-line sign partially obscured by overhanging branches. The sign warned of traps in the area, but the warning was not clear enough to prevent the tragedy.
Moon, un-leashed, wandered near the roadbank. Boxall called for the dog to “come,” but the husky had already triggered a freshly baited Conibear trap. The trap’s clamp closed directly on Moon’s neck. Boxall described the moment: “I saw the trap clamp down directly on his neck, he let out an instant yelp and started to frantically try to free himself.” He ran a few meters to the animal and saw Moon’s blue eyes filled with terror.
Boxall attempted to free the dog with his hands, but the trap was too tight. His hands were torn and bloody. He then used a chainsaw to cut through the trap, freeing Moon. He performed CPR on the dog, but the injuries were too severe. Moon “suffered an atrocious and agonizing death,” Boxall said.
Investigation Findings
The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks received a complaint about the incident. Conservation officers investigated and interviewed Boxall, the trapper, and other witnesses. Their findings were:
- The trapper was properly licensed.
- The trapline and the area where the trap was placed were legal.
- The trapping season was open at the time of the incident.
- Warning signage had been placed in the area.
Because all regulatory requirements were met, the ministry concluded that “no offense had occurred” and that enforcement action would not be pursued. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) sent its sympathies to the owner, encouraging the public to be aware of active trapping seasons across the province.
Moon’s Law: A Call for Change
In response to the loss, Boxall and his partner, Nicole Trigg, drafted “Moon’s Law,” a proposal aimed at tightening trap regulations. Key components of the proposal include:
- Moving all traps away from roadways to reduce accidental contact.
- Requiring traps to be designed with easier release mechanisms.
- Increasing the visibility and clarity of warning signage.
- Implementing stricter penalties for violations of trap placement rules.
Trigg emphasized the broader risk: “If you’re driving because you want to get into nature and the winter wonderland in the safety of your car, and you stopped to let your dog out to pee, then this could potentially happen to you.” Boxall added, “The general public should be able to travel freely and safely on our public lands without the possibility of their family and pets being tortured to death in front of them.”
Reactions and Future Steps
The proposal has sparked discussion among conservation groups, pet owners, and regulatory agencies. While the Ministry maintains that existing laws were followed, many argue that the tragedy underscores the need for clearer guidelines and better enforcement.
A Facebook page dedicated to “Moon’s Law” has been created to raise awareness and gather support. The page invites users to share their own experiences with trapping incidents and to advocate for policy changes.
Key Takeaways
- A 2-year-old husky named Moon died after falling into a Conibear trap on a B.C. roadway.
- The incident occurred on Horsethief Creek Forest Service Road, more than 170 miles from Calgary.
- Conservation officers found that all legal requirements were met, leading to no enforcement action.
- Boxall and Trigg are pushing for “Moon’s Law,” which seeks stricter trap placement rules and better safety signage.
- The case highlights the tension between legal trapping practices and public safety on shared lands.
