FREDERICTON (CNB) – Pet owners are being reminded by the Department of Natural Resources to take precautions to prevent their animals from being accidentally injured or killed.

Several regulated hunting and fur-harvesting seasons are now open and extend through the winter. There have been several recent incidents in which pets have been caught in traps or snares while running loose.

Pet owners should be aware of the following:

●    under the Fish and Wildlife Act, it is illegal for dogs to run at large in a wildlife area;
●    pets should be kept under control or leashed at all times to minimize harassment of wildlife; and
●    it is illegal to disturb any legally placed trap or snare.

Hunters and trappers are reminded of the distance restrictions near dwellings, schools, playgrounds, athletic fields, solid-waste disposal sites and places of business. It is illegal to set traps and/or snares within 300 metres (984 feet) of those areas.

Fur harvesters operating in areas visited by persons walking their dogs should modify their traps/snares or place them away from trails or roads.
    
For more information, the public may obtain a copy of 2011 Hunt & Trap or a Pet Owners Fact Sheet online or at any office of the Department of Natural Resources
    
LINK:

●    Department of Natural Resources: www.gnb.ca/naturalresources


18-01-12