In a humane world, Mark Luttrell would be applauded for his compassionate efforts to save animals from cruel traps ("Hiker hit with charges for taking traps," Feb. 4). Unfortunately, trapping is still a legal form of recreation in today's society, despite its cruelty and the fact that countless "non-target" animals like Luttrell's yellow Labrador, Sunny, are caught in these archaic devices annually in the United States.

Thankfully, Sunny survived, but other companion animals, raptors and "non-target" wildlife are not as lucky, often suffering injuries and even death. The exact numbers of these unlucky victims are unknown because trappers are not required to report these numbers of "non-target" catches.


Trappers are not even required to report the number of "target" animals they trap unless under special circumstances. Such an unregulated and inhumane practice as trapping should be relegated to the past.

Jennifer Allen, fur campaign manager
Humane Society of the United States
Washington, D.C.