David Dubois discusses a trap banning petition submitted to the County earlier this month. He explained that he and his wife Terry were hiking along a local trail with friends late last year when an unmarked trap buried next to the trail clamped shut on their dog’s leg. After listening to his presentation and public comment, Council voted 7-0 to accept the trap banning petition, to direct staff to draft a resolution compatible with the support of trap banning and return to Council with the resolution by the April 29 meeting and to prepare an ordinance that supports banning trapping on Los Alamos County land. Girrens’ motion further requested that staff initiate communication with New Mexico Game & Fish to make them aware of the Los Alamos County trapping ban, consistent with County and State animal control practices. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Audience members raise their hands in support of banning traps within Los Alamos County. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Debbi Miller, a member of the Mountain Canine Corps – a Search and Rescue group, was on the hike with her husband and David and Terry Dubois when the Dubois’ dog was caught in an unmarked trap. She demonstrates to Council the strength of the trap. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

The trap snaps shut with a force that shatters the end of a PVC pipe. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Former County Councilor Mike Wismer tells Council that he suppports banning traps, adding that he is speaking on behalf of his dogs Cinnamon and Spice. He offered three possible senarios in which the Council could move forward to resolve the issue. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Capt. Chris Chadwick of New Mexico Game & Fish addresses trapping issues during a break at tonight’s County Council meeting. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com