Dog Owner Surprised After Learning Trapping Near Trails Legal

Summary:

WASILLA, AK – Owner and dogs Fonzie and Sam Malone set out from a Palmer Hay Flats trailhead in late January. The area is popular with people running their dogs off-leash, and they had been there many times before. Fonzie and Sam Malone were under voice command and wore e-Collars, which are defined as leashes by Mat-Su Borough code. Suddenly, Sam Malone disappeared. After a quick search, he was found caught in a baited snare. The snare had tightened down on his snout and caused him to suffocate. His owner was unable to move his body, but returned the next day with a sled to retrieve it. When the owner went to Fish and Game to report the incident, he was surprised to learn that trapping is legal with very few exceptions in nearly all public multiuse areas in the Mat-Su. Fonzie, Sam Malone’s twin, had been depressed but had just started eating breakfast again following the incident. The entire family misses Sam Malone’s friendly personality and good nature.

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