Carson Mansfield took this photo of his dog, Bella, as evidence after she was killed by a conibear trap on Feb. 14. (courtesy photo)
| Buy Journal Photos
Bella, a registered Beagle, was killed by a hunting trap at 20 months old. (courtesy photo)
Mansfield holds Bella in his lap in his car in early February. During a Valentine’s Day hunting trip, Bella came upon a trap and was killed. (courtesy photo)
Latest Headlines:
Additional Stories:
- Sheriff's deputy hurt in crash
- Salinan arrested on drug charges
- Saints raise city's spirits
- Audit: Merging schools could save millions
- School board to discuss summer programs
Most Commented:
- Palin's greeters at airport describe her as congenial, beautiful
- Program may have violated policy
- Man convicted of murdering Kan. abortion provider
- An evening with Sarah
- County Commission's Who's Who Board
Most Read:
- Salina girl gets 'discovered' by teen magazine
- Boy Scouts of America 2010 CELEBRATING 100 YEARS
- Salina and Saline County Most Wanted
- Palin engaged in 'kid stories' before speech
- Drive shaft stolen from pickup
Dog caught by trap, dies
3/13/2009
By TIM UNRUH, Salina Journal
Carson Mansfield was in a choice place on Valentine's Day, hunting rabbits near Kanopolis Lake, when he heard his dog yelp.
"At first, I thought she was in a fight," Mansfield said.
Bella, his registered 20-month-old beagle, was caught in the rectangular steel jaws of a conibear trap.
Mansfield, a deputy Salina police chief, began a frantic struggle to free his four-footed friend.
"I had read how to get them off. I'm afraid all my efforts did was prolong the agony of her death," he said. "It was incredibly devastating."
Bella became weaker, and then fell unconscious. Within six minutes, she was gone.
The trap, which is designed to kill small animals that are harvested for their fur, was set in a plastic bucket to entice the curiosity of a raccoon, coyote or bobcat.
When an animal sticks its head in the bucket, the trap is tripped, he said. On Feb. 14, it was Bella, curious as she patrolled for rabbits, who was captured by the powerful jaws.
Mansfield blamed himself, at first.
"She trusted me to get her out of that trap. She kept waiting," he said.
Then came the anger over such a deadly trap being allowed on public land, where hunters often stalk game with dogs.
They're perfectly legal
Before he put Bella's body, with the trap still attached, over his shoulder for the two-hour hike back to his car, the cop in Mansfield kicked in. He snapped several "evidence" photos of Bella ensnared in the trap. It happened just south of Thompson Creek on public hunting land owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
"I thought, 'Whoever's responsible for this has got to be breaking the law,' " Mansfield said.
But conibear traps are perfectly legal during trapping seasons, he said.
Mansfield wants that changed, especially in places where people hike and hunt on public land -- sometimes with dogs.
After calling the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to lodge a complaint, Mansfield was invited to talk about the incident. Thursday, he appeared before the governor-appointed Wildlife and Parks Commission, which was meeting in Topeka, with two requests.
"I would like to get kill traps off of public hunting land," Mansfield said. "Conversely, I would like for everyone who comes to Kansas to use those lands to know they risk the agonizing death of their dogs."
He has added a hacksaw to his hunting gear.
"I don't know if it will help. The veterinarian said that even if I would have gotten Bella out of the trap, she would likely have never been the same or died anyway, because of the damage the trap did to her body," Mansfield said.
The state has rules about what animals can be hunted and when, as well as how many and what gender, Mansfield said. "But a conibear just kills whatever gets in it. When you check your traps, you just pitch whatever you didn't want to kill. It doesn't make any sense to me at all."
The trapping season for most species runs from Nov. 12 to Feb. 15, which overlaps the pheasant and quail seasons. The beaver trapping season is still open, said Capt. Mel Madorin, in the wildlife and parks law enforcement division office at Hays. Madorin was not at the meeting.
If traps are set properly and legally, there is normally not a problem, Madorin said.
He said the trap set near Kanopolis did not violate any rules or regulations.
In Mansfield's case, especially with Bella's size, "it didn't work well," Madorin said. "I would hate to have my dog killed in any way. I understand his feelings."
But right now, Madorin said, conibear traps are accepted for trapping game.
Mansfield wonders why the traps are allowed in public hunting areas.
"Far more hunters and hikers use that area than trappers, and hunters use dogs," he said.
While there was some debate at the meeting, Mansfield said the Wildlife and Parks commissioners "seemed receptive" to his requests.
"I really didn't think there would be a chance, but now maybe there is," Mansfield said. "It's such a no-brainer. I don't understand why it's not getting done."
Mansfield bought a new puppy in late February. Her name is Lilly.
n Reporter Tim Unruh can be reached at 822-1419 or by e-mail at tunruh@salina.com.
Join the Discussion:
Salina.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here. Read our full online terms of service policy.
says says....
Why is this back in the paper? Why don't you put the finds or not finds of the SPD officer that was in the fight at The Inferno, or about the deputy that hit the EMS at Broadway and Crawford? Some of us would like to see how it ends or is it just going to disappear like everything else that involves law enforcement.
10/9/2009
Cyn L says....
Some of your people are so rude. The AVERAGE Joe has no idea how to open one of these traps. I just went though this with my Pit/bulldog mix and the only reason he survive 10 minutes in this trap was the fact my 11 year old son, help it open just enough that the dog could breath, even though he went unconscious within a minute. A dog CAN survive this trap IF you can get the jaws open. Only thing is it's not common knowledge how to. My son was just walking his dog and this was 15 feet from the side. Newt went to get a drink in 6" of water in the ditch and WHAM. Conibear on his head. Vet trip, overnight stay for shock, swelling, cuts from flailing around and $449. later but ATLEAST my dog is alive. Have a heart for this man and his dog. THESE traps should NOT be on public land !!
10/7/2009
Tawny says....
TO J1986:So we are suppossed to be some kind of great outdoorsmen huh.Your ignorance is appalling.Do society a favor and forget the blaze orange next time your in the midst of hunters...how about green with a target on it
7/29/2009
J1986 says....
I can sort of feel for this guy, losing his pet in such a way. However, if this man is any kind of skilled outdoors man, common sense should have kicked in that he was on public land, especially wetlands, where trappers and these style traps are frequented. As far as "what if that was your kid" crap, these traps are placed where children and domestic animals typically wouldn't be UNSUPERVISED. I see it all too often with children and dogs, it's everyone else's fault that you can't keep track of your child/animal. And this guy should think twice before criticizing trappers and their methods, how many dogs and PEOPLE have been KILLED because hunters get "scope fever" and just fire at anything possible? I'm forced to go out of my way and wear bright orange during hunting season because i'm too afraid of getting struck by a bullet shot by some idiot hunter, as long as my dog stays within sight, I know I don't need to worry about my dog caught in a trap. Blaming trappers for using public land that is also used by hunters is not a road this man wants to travel. I guarantee there are 5 times the amount of uneducated and reckless hunters out there than trappers.
7/28/2009
feadupwithignorance says....
Well, I feel sorry for the dog and all. I am an animal lover my self. And I do not hunt or trap, never have never will. Now here comes the BUT. Like it or not, trappers play an important role in keeping the population of certain animals under control. Without trappers and hunters alike, the undesirable animals would experience a population growth. What happens when that occurs? Same as when human population grows, they spread out to new locations. Rinse and repeat over and over. Next thing you know, it's somebodies dog in there backyard or somebodies kid or even you, becoming food for an animal that ended up in town hunting for food because there are too many of the populating the lands outside of town. We already have this problem with the coons and possums in Salina. Ban trapping any where and the next thing you know, the whole lot of you are whining and crying because your state taxes increased because the state had to hire people too thin the overpopulated coyotes, bobcats, etc etc. Because there was a small chance an idiot might lose his dog to a trap. As too the 'that could have been your kid' stuff. Leave it be, trapping on public lands has been legal for ages. How many stories have been out there about some kid getting hurt or killed in a trap on public lands have there been? Why is it there have been damn few after all these years? Maybe it's because the trappers set traps in areas that are way out of the way of John Q Public. The fact that Mansfild even thought that the trap had to be illegal just shows that he knows virtually nothing about hunting and trapping laws in Kansas. Be informed before being speaking out on things like this. If you don't understand something, learn about it. Nature has a way of dealing with over populated areas, it's called spreading out, moving, free ranging. We humans have done to the point of over kill, thus making safe areas for our wildlife to do it, even smaller and smaller to the point of the cities are now fair game for them too move into. Get a clue people.
3/26/2009
justactrygal says....
and why didn't he put his dog out of his misery....by the looks of the photo his wind pipe had to be crush Mansfield only prolonged his agonizing death ..would that of been the humane thing to do ..I have had cats get run over by cars and you know when there's no chance of survival ..put you can't let them suffer
3/25/2009
tired of the animal b.s. says....
leash laws don't apply on public lands?
3/24/2009
EJW says....
A hacksaw??? Why? It will take at least 6 minutes to cut through just one spring, let alone both. My guess is that this hunter had everything on his possession to remove his dog from that trap in under a minute and didn't use those resources to accomplish that. A boot lace, shoe string, leash, draw string, cord, piece of leather all can be used to open up those springs very quickly. Hunters and their gun dogs are truly unique entities. They work together as a team. Just as a hunter prepares for the hunt with gadgetries and visions of success, they must also prepare themselves for many adverse events which may arise. This particular situations is sad, but it is also a no fault situation. If we were to cast blame on a 'conibear' style trap being upon lands where public activity is allowed, then would it be reasonable to argue a all encompassing refuge system where no human activity is allowed? That way no bad (nor good) situations would ever happen to anyone. The trap is not the issue here, but awareness is the issue. A hunter could easily stumble, fall, gun discharges, kills hunting dog and it becomes the gun’s fault, for it would be reasonable to assume that without the gun the tragic event would not have occurred in the first place. Here again, is it a mechanical devise that causes our angst? Or lack of situational awareness of our surroundings? I would argue the latter, hindsight reaffirming the value of foresight and preparation. The value of our hunting, fishing, trapping and outdoor experiences are always threatened by a few events that a minority can capitalize upon in order to create laws that dilute or do away with all the man created ‘evils’ of the world. To proclaim this event as a trapping issue is wrong, because it is equally a hunting issue as well as a public activity issue and I can promise there are groups already working on this very topic to remove trapping, hunting and human outdoor activity on all lands. Be careful what you wish for in the aftermath of a conibear trap, a hunting dog and a hunter all coming together afield for this is perfect ammunition for it all being done away with.
3/24/2009
Eric says....
In about 30 or 45 seconds Mr. Mansfield could have had Bella out of that trap, instead of waiting 6 minutes for her to died. A boot strap, leash, cord, draw string, belt, all could have opened the springs of that trap quickly and easily.
3/24/2009
says..... says....
This is animal worship you people are acting like animals are gods wake up!
3/24/2009
No Traps On Public Land says....
Trap on your own land, not on public land where persons hike. What if I hiked through there with my child and they had stepped into that trap? That's just not a wise place to have these traps.
3/24/2009
GS says....
A guy goes to a public area to hunt (shoot with a gun other animals) but doesn't want any trapping on public lands? And many people jump on board to ban trapping to protect our children? Isn't shooting on public land more hazardous to other users?
3/23/2009
says....
BTW..if that photo was a goldfish in a bowl without water would anyone care ...nottt....GET OVER IT
3/22/2009
says....
Its a fricking dog get over it people...take some of that energy you got going over this dog and put it towards a better cause you want to help save a dogs life.......oh my gosh .....save a child ...theres a lot at home a lone without anyone to look out for them ...can't you find a better CAUSEEEEE...you people are sick its a fircken dog....better bad when an animals death takes over 100's of kids suffering everyday ...but you will fight for a dog...and not a human...humans suffer everyday and no one goes out of their way to take a stand...its a dog get over it.
3/22/2009
Coyote MaMa says....
Please visit the Eastern Coyote Institute site to see what is really happening to coyotes in the wild. Also, take a look at www.coyoterescue.org
3/21/2009
Coyote MaMa says....
To avid hunter. I don't know of anyone who gets in their car and deliberatly goes out to run animals and people over to cause them pain and suffering. Those are called accidents! Trapping is a conscious decision to cause pain and suffering to animals in traps. It isn't even a lucrative endeavor anymore. Most of the furs aren't worth much. This is just a pastime that a small number of people in our society enjoy. See the C.A.S.H newsletter that just came out.
3/21/2009
says....
"Avid hunter from canada" Would you like me to send some pictures of dogs , deer ,racoons etc and oh yes people killed on the roads by cars travelling a way too fast.Maybe then you would want to outlaw vehicls but oh darn i forgot you have a car and travelling at 20 mph would be incovenient to you but you don't hunt or trap so lets stop that.Have you caught on to how ridiculous your opinion is ?
3/20/2009
Coyote MaMa says....
It is time to stop the abuse of all animals with these killer traps. I have a photo of a coyote walking around with one of these conibear traps around it's head and neck. I dislike trappers, intensely! These are not nice guys. You should see the pictures they post on their forums and how they laugh at the suffering they cause.
3/20/2009
Trapperjohn says....
Hundreds if not thousands of dogs are attacked, killed and some eaten every year by coyotes. Where is that in the papers! Maybe what needs to be done to eliminate the conflict is set aside several weeks of the trapping season and close those areas to all other traffic except trappers! Oh that would probly create to much of of a uproar of all those self centered morons that think the whole world has to revolve around them!
3/20/2009
... SHOCKED ... says....
That picture, SIMPLY, was to incite rage & passion in the reader.. Propaganda at it's most basic form.. Lets show a gutted deer & outlaw whitetail hunting.. Lets show a compound fractured arm & prevent skateboarding.. Or how about gruesome footage of a mangled body from a fatality accident & prevent driving.. All of which are legal lawful activities with sometime less than desirable results.. The author, no the editor, should be ashamed at their lack of journalistic ethics & misuse of power in reporting such blatantly biased news footage to sway the masses..
3/19/2009
Scott D says....
Feel sorry that he lost his dog but the blame should be placed on him not the trapper. He let his dog run loose to hunt and kill rabbits. he talks about public land, that is the point it is public land there for everyone to use. The hiker, the birdwatcher, the hunter, trapper, couple out for a walk. To try and limit the use of public land just because you dont agree with how others are enjoying it is wrong. i am sure that in a few week during the Easter holiday there would be many people who would like to call on this mans right to let his dog kill the Easter bunny. We all have a right to use public land, no law was broken. what is with all these people who want to ban or stop things they dont enjoy.
3/19/2009
John says....
My B.S. Meter is way in the red !!!! Carson Mansfield is a big man who could have easily removed the trap from his dog. Conibear traps are not rocket science nor are they impossible to operate. I weigh 150 pounds and have arthritis and bad joints and I can still operate these traps with no problem. Under an adrenaline situation, I believe Mr. Mansfield could have saved his dog with no problem. The bottom line is that I have a hard time believing he was actually there with the dog. Every year in Kansas,..thousands of hunters converge to partake in the hunting tradition and every year someone get shot and killed.....does this mean we outlaw hunting?? What this boils down to is placing an animal as priority over a human.
3/19/2009
D. Kolehouse says....
He stated it righ. He was on public land. Land for everyone to use not just him. A very unfortunate accident. There is no reason to change the law. ANd if they do maybe they should ban hunting as more people are sure to die from getting shot then getting caught in a trap. He thinks is only ok to shoot animals and not trap them. Either way the animal is being harvested. I hope he was give a ticket for stealing a legaly placed trap.
3/19/2009
TrapperDan says....
This was an unfortunate accident but an ACCIDENT is what it was. Trappers provide a service to all. Overpopulation leads to greater instance of disease. There have been documented cases of coyote attacks on children in overpopulated areas. Public land is just that....Public! I feel for the man who lost his dog but that is a chance we take everytime we turn our hunting dogs out. If you live in a state where connibear traps are a legal device then you should educate your children about them and you should be aware that if you choose to hunt your dog on PUBLIC land that this is a risk, even though a small one, that you take. Trappers have as much right to public land as do hunters, hikers or anyone else for that matter.
3/19/2009
RetCop says....
First the picture was uncalled for totally. Second the SJ should have to publicly appologize for printing it on the front page. Third if this was Mr. Average Joe then the SJ would have never printed the story. As far as trapping, it has been around for more than a century and is a way of life for some people, and now its getting all this negitive attention. So what about when the hunter "accidently" shot our farm dog, or a cow. So now we should outlaw hunting? Sorry about the dog it was a tragic accident. So learn from it as a pet owner and be more aware next time.
3/18/2009
Charles P says....
I hope the newspaper prints a story about those poor rabbits that his dog was going to kill...maybe around easter. Sad to see the dog die though, he looks like he would ve been a great dog and its a sad waste of life - but when you send an animal out to kill and it gets killed...tough.
3/18/2009
avid reader says....
The picture was disturbing but without seeing it I am not sure people would understand. It could happen to any of our pets. It does not matter who it happened to, it just should have not happened. What if a you child wondered into something like this........then what?
3/18/2009
Commonsense says....
Did i miss something, didn't KDWP say the trap was set following all the rules. If so than it did have the owners name on it. Mansfield said "Far more hunters and hikers use that area than trappers, and hunters use dogs,"thats such a me first others second statement! Is he saying that it's ok for hunters with guns and hikers to use the same area at the same time, I hope not! It's too bad that his hunting dog died but when u let them go every hunter knows that it might be the last time they see them alive, it's a simple fact when using dogs to hunt. There is a big difference between a hunting dog and a pet.It sounds like this story should fall under heading "Stuff Happens". Manson sounds as if he thinks that hunting is some how better than trapping, as if it was "ok" to let his dog run out of his sight and out of his control, then blame someone else for what happened. I can see how it would be upsetting but in the end thats the risk u take when letting animals run free. Those of you who consider your pet a family member i would recommend that you never let them off the leash in a wild area. If you let a young child run off in a wild area you should get mental help quickly or let someone who really wants to be a parent take over the job. I know alot of farmers and ranchers are having problems with beaver dams blocking creeks on thier land causing damage to it costing them thousands of dollars.I can even recall KDOT busting beaver dams in the same spot along old highway 40 year after year spending tax payer money that one trapper could have fixed years ago for free. Those of you who want trapping stopped, are u going to pay for the damage caused by letting them go uncontrolled? Some how i think when its your turn to wip out your checkbooks your knee jerk reaction will fade away. I'm going to be working on a job this week that out of the total cost about $250 is going to romove a logjam and washouts caused by a beaver. Thats only in a qaurter mile stretch of creek. Last year we did about $350. in beaver related repairs for the same farmer/rancher just down the road from where we are working this year. It would seem that by not trapping this beaver it's doing more harm than good for this man on these small peaces of land. Total the costs for the whole state of Kansas and i would bet it's a very large number. That picture on the front page of SJ was not the most tastefull of choices but i bet it sold papers. As for Mansfield hoping to remove trapping from public grounds, i hope he's not holding his breath waiting for it. My guess is that common sense will win over knee jerk amotion this time.
3/18/2009
Brenna says....
Public hunting grounds should be safe. Do whatever the hell you want on your own private land. Nuff said.
3/18/2009
dontseetheneed says....
You notice the trend here? The journal has posted more of the statements about this article that are for the abolition of trapping on public land than they have for the ones against it. I am not a trapper and don't really care for the method of hunting, but fair is fair. You cannot abolish one form of hunting on public hunting land without abolishing all.
3/17/2009
get real says....
Sorry about the loss Carson but there are risks involved with hunting. The Journal is irresponsible as usual. Who prints a picture of a dead dog on the front page of the paper so that anyone sees it , child or adult. The people that have problems with trapping and hunting have no idea that with all of the displacement of animals so that they can have a house to live in and stores to shop in and schools to educate their children in that there would be a very large infestation of critters without hunting and trapping. Educate yourself about the eco-system and how it works. PETA only want to impose their will never mind what is best.
3/17/2009
Fellow Officer says....
I like how you review comments and decide which ones to post. I noticed you did not post my previous comments on 3/14/09 about the 40-min resonse time for officers required by the SPD, and the fact that this big shot was a 2-hour walk from his vehicle when this incident occured, let alone the drive back to Salina. SJ is so good at hiding the truth...
3/17/2009
unknowed says....
Who cares if people smoke at the lake. It is a open free area. My dad smoke for almost all his life. He quite about 5 years ago im proud of him for that. But it i sad story the dog got killed, i have two begales of mine own, and they are the sweetist dogs i have had. Traping on public land should be outlawed.
3/17/2009
Angie says....
I think this story needed to be told. While the picture is tough to see, it gets how point across of what this trap did. I live in town and many times take my children out walking on public land. Obviously, this trapper didn't follow the law by having his trap tagged with his name. I question whether it is safe to take my small daughter out who many times runs ahead exploring. While this picture of this dog is tragic, what would happen if this was a small curious child and this child bleed to death? Laws need to be changed regarding Public Land and hunters need to realize many people use those lands not only for hunting but to teach our little ones about wildlife. We hunt too but we are responsible. Although we do not trap, our friends that do said this has happened before. It's time for the public to become aware and request changes.
3/17/2009
Debra says....
The Salina Journal mentioned that conibear traps are legal, but failed to mention that this particular trap was illegal. The reason....the trapper that set it did not follow regulations. All traps must be tagged with the user's name and address.They must be tended and inspected at least once every day.
3/16/2009
Jenna says....
I myself have a 3 year old female beagle. I was shocked to see the picture of Bella. I think just the article would have been appropriate, the picture was not a necessity, and it could have been printed on another page. I do disagree with having traps on public land...makes you think twice about going out to Kanopolis. We go there several times throughout the summer, but now I'll always wonder if my beagle will be safe.
3/16/2009
Soon to be ex-Salina Journal subscriber says....
When I was in college receiving a journalism degree, we learned on day one what you don't put in the paper, let alone the front page. This is a prime example of that. Why didn't anyone stop this picture from being printed? Does nobody in your office know what poor taste is? What makes it even worse is that instead of apologizing and admitting it was wrong, you've put together this discussion and tried to pass yourself off as "edgy" or that you are "trying to make a statement." Well congratulations. In that statement, you also took away from the whole point of the story and put your arrogance ahead of reporting. Thank you for reminding me why I never applied for a job at this joke of a paper.
3/16/2009
says....
First of all, I am surprised at some of the heartless comments of some posters on this issue. I am an avid animal lover, and am still appalled at the fact that they posted this picture on the front page of the SJ. Although I do understand the purpose of the story, why the horrific pictures. It made me cry and my heart sick when I seen the picture. I was even more sickened once I read the story. I think these traps should be illegal on public grounds, and I hope this law passes. It is for the safety of not only animals, but also small children too.
3/16/2009
Get Smart says....
I love how the PETA types are all appauled by this, but fail to see that the dog and its owner were out to KILL another one of natures creatures. Consider the trap a defender of the defensless/the hunted. Seriously folks, would anyone on here be outraged that Carson Manfield and Dog killed rabbits?
3/16/2009
says....
I agree prolifer. Salina Journal needs to put that picture the guy on Ohio street holds up on their front page.
3/15/2009
says....
I was upset that Bella had to die that horrible way. I was glad it was brought to my attention to what is going on with the trappings on public land. I hope will bring about a law to prhibit this practice. My heart goes out to Mr. Mansfield and his family. Donna
3/15/2009
Marie says....
PETA has never worked with anyone to design a trap. PETA does not even condone hunting. Nature's predators can control the raccoon and other varmint populations; that is if somebody isn't out there shooting and trapping the predators. In response to a trapper's post: I've lived in rural Kansas for 60 years and have yet to run into a pack of raccoons! Let's recognize trapping for what it is: A cruel and bloody hobby. I hope this officer continues to call attention to this heartless sport. So, trapping is legal? Well,protesting trapping is legal too.
3/15/2009
farmer says....
the picture needed to be shown to make people aware of this situation. the conibear traps should not be allowed on public land.
3/15/2009
Reed says....
No respectful trapper ever wants to catch an untargeted species. And, they likely have torn feelings about catching the targeted species. I personally prefer the trapper who has a conscience. I like to think I am one of those. Most do and try very hard not to catch untargeted animals. I would suggest that this is a rather isolated and unfortunate incident. If you are really concerned with preventing unnecessary loss of animal life, just decrease the speed limit to say...30 mph. Just for entertainment, the next time you go on vacation, make a roadkill list of numbers and species.It will amaze you, maybe even shock you. We know the speed limit will not decrease because we want to save lives as long as it does not inconvenience us. It's easy to have an opinion on something until it is your ox getting gored. And, there are rarely easy answers and solutions to situations. This is one of those situations. I always wanted a beagle to hunt rabbits with and hope to some day have one. I doubt a rabbit will feel too bad though if my dog gets caught in a trap, hit by a car, falls through the ice etc. It's all about your perspective.
3/15/2009
Ohio transplant says....
I agree that the picture should have been on the front page. Unless more people become aware of this type of trap, the public will remain ignorant about the danger of the use of conibear traps on public land and nothing will be done to attempt to prevent their use. I have had experience with this type of trap and found them difficult to set and almost impossible to open once sprung. They would certainly break a child's arm as well as an adult's hand. What if this had been a child out exploring? How long would it take to find the child and remove the trap?
3/15/2009
Liz says....
I think this is horrible !! I also think it is horrible !!! That I did not get the choice of decideing if I wanted my 5 and 7 yr old to see this picture . I understand printing the story , but why on the front page ?? I think as a parent I should have the choice to show my kids pictures of dead dogs or not . I do not and will not subscribe to the paper . We we simply going to Burger King to eat when we past the paper machine . Of cousre my 7 yr old animal lover sees this . Being a kid she starts asking questions . So now it is up to me to explain to both my kids cause she has pointed it out to her brother . I think a better choice could have been made . Simply print it inside with a warning . Or the picture could of been online only . I have 3 cats and a dog myself and would have been upset too , but never would I have had the pictures posted where children could see .
3/15/2009
concerned says....
I do not think traps belong on public land. I have nothing against hunting. This is multi use land for everybody not a select few. What if that would have been someones child. There is a difference between right an wrong and traps of public land is wrong.
3/15/2009
says....
I will contact KDWP and tell them they should ban bird hunting on public land because I like to go for a walk and watch the birds. Or maybe because their dogs scare my deer when I am in my tree stand. What crap. Did someone not read and understand the regulations? A police officer not reading the regulations?? Trapping season is still open,there is a chance there are traps where he ran his dog,conibears are legal to use and trapping is legal on public land.If it wasn't for all of the out of staters buying up private land maybe some people wouldn't be forced to trap on public land.I am sick of these PETA lovers who are one of the largest terrorist organizations in the USA griping about things they have no education about. I know KDWP that trap or did trap on public lands. I feel sorry for the gentlemens dog as well but being in law enforcement and not reading the regulations that trapping season is still open and there was that chance,well,why is it the trappers fault who was legal??
3/15/2009
anti says... says....
where are the rights of the aborted fetus why aren't you animal rights activist screaming for their rights to live lets put an aborted fetus on the front page, ignorance abounds in salina
3/15/2009
Blastard says....
Why is this different than any dog ran over on the street?
3/15/2009
says....
If you will put that graphic picture of a dog on the front page of your newspaper to call attention to how an innocent dog was killed, why won't you put a picture of an aborted baby in the paper to show how an unborn baby is mangled and killed. An unborn baby feels pain ,too. But no, it isn't a baby, it's a choice. A dog has more rights than an unborn baby. A prolifer.
3/15/2009
SlimJim says....
I do not subscribe to the SJ and upon walking into a local gas station. Noticed the dead dog picture on the front of the paper sitting in the newspaper rack right by the entrance of the gas station. Being a trapper myself. I couldn't resist buying one of these papers to read the story (shoulda just got on line and saved 50 cents) But for you people that can't figure out why they would put the dead dog picture on the cover. The reason is simply to sell papers. It worked on me. Poorly reported story and was one sided. I am sorry the dog had to die. But how many people actually use this public land in the middle of feb.? One person? Has this happened much before? maybe once in 10 years? So we outlaw and ban conibears on public land because one person in ten years went hunting in feb. when most other upland seasons are closed. One person? OH! I forgot. He's a cop. If he would of waited one more week. Trapping season would have been closed. But wait. The seasons laws should revolve around one person. I noticed the picture (evidence) had been altered also. The paper reported that this officer using his keen senses quickly snapped evidence photo's of the dead dog. Well tell me. Why is the stake pulled up and carefully setting in the picture? why is the dog laying on the perfect side to show it's open mouth? Where is the bucket the trap was set in? I'm not doubting the accident happening? But if this ultra keen officer is getting (evidence). Shouldn't he have done it properly? No. The officer set the picture up to look shocking. Then the SJ took it from there. Good Job Salina Journal. Keep it up and maybe I'll buy a second paper sometime this year.
3/14/2009
Country Hillbilly says....
Were signs posted on this public hunting land that said watch out for traps? If there was then I would not have let my beagle run lose. If there were no signs saying watch out for traps then the State of Kansas better get busy and put some out. Public land and public hunting land is to be enjoyed all year round by all and not just one set of hunters that use traps. Someone will take this tip. Why not have a public dog park that allows dogs to run and hunt without the worry of traps. Even dogs should be allowed some fun without being put in danger.
3/14/2009
AnimalAvenger says....
Bella's death was tragic, and yes, the public does need to see her picture to understand what a horrible death she suffered. But her death was no less horrible than that of any rabbit or so-called "game" animal for whom the trap was meant. ALL animals suffer equally, and it's just as wrong to harm one as another. The hunter fails to see that he is just as much at fault as the trapper: both are guilty of killing innocent animals whose lives deserve respect and protection. Shame on them both! The lesson to be learned is to stop killing for recreation.
3/14/2009
LB says....
I knew you would get a lot of criticism for running the picture. I am GLAD you ran it. It got a lot of attention. I live in Logan County and will try to go to the scheduled meeting in April. Once my precious cat was caught in a trap for 2 days. He nearly lost his foot. Thank goodness some boys found him and threw away the trap!!!
3/14/2009
My opinion says....
That photo was unnecessary. You wouldn't run something like that every day of the week, so there is no need to run it even once. Of course, most papers don't have something as ignorant as the 333 line.
3/14/2009
Thanksjournal says....
This story has noting to do with the fac that this person works in law inforcement. It has to do with the fact that someone lost there pet in a horrible way. I dont beleive that this trap should have been set on public land. I agree that the law should be changed. what happens when it is a person or someone elses pet. This dog was just enjoying time with its owner and did nothing wrong. I believe that putting the picture on the front page brought attention to the story that was needed. I had to look at the picture twice before I realized the dog was actually dead before I read the story. As far as a small child crying... I would say a adult showed them the picture.. There are obituaries in the paper every day and I bet the children dont sit down and read them.. As a comunity we all need to know what is going on. Lets get this law changed before it happens to someone else.
3/14/2009
notapetowner says....
If this were my dog, no one would care. I do not see a problem with posting the picture in the paper. In the whole scheme of things, this incident has probably been over blown.
3/14/2009
Animallover says....
After my husband saw the article, he told me I wouldn't want to see it. I glanced at it & it made me sick, although I am glad that it was in the paper. People need to see how horrible these traps are! How can they be legal?? The poor dog suffered for several minutes before dying. Don't all of you trappers realize that wild animals have feelings too? Please think about it before you set your next trap!
3/14/2009
ConibearsKill says....
responding to this comment: "Unless it is an illegal trap a conibear trap will not break your hand" ....................... Really? A 330, designed to break the back of an 80 pound beaver won't break you hand? Pretty sure a 220 could too depending on how it hit and how small your hand is.
3/14/2009
Brenda says....
My condolences to Deputy Police Chief Carson Mansfield. Thank You for Educating myself and the public to be aware that traps might be placed on public land. Who would have thought that? Not I. I hope that Hunters who use traps will be required to post notices of "This property is being used for Hunting Purposes and to Proceed with caution Danger to Humans and Domestic Animals." I am not against Hunters and not for them either. Perhaps there was alot of researching done to perfect the trap. And it worked perfectly like it should only on the wrong type of animal. I believe that an emergency release mechanism should be incorporated into the design. Whereas a person could dislodge their pet,self or child without the need of dragging a trap along with them. The Hunter who did not tag his trap broke the law and should not be able to recover it with any other animal. In my opinion that was not a hunting accident. It was murder. Premeditated.
3/14/2009
ConibearsKill says....
Just a few responses to some of the comments that have been made................ 1. Coyotes are NOT trapped using Conibears. ....................2. Dogs on leash have been killed in Conibears in other states where they were set alongside trails. ........................3. No matter what the owner may or may not do, no dog deserves to die in a trap.....................4. Conibears are pretty much impossible to open without a special tool sold by trapping supply companies. I imagine it is even more difficult if your dog is in the process of dying in one.
3/14/2009
says....
People don't be so dumb!!If you read the story you know that trap was not legal because it didn't have the persons name on it. Just because he is a cop doesn't mean he is using that to get all of this in the paper, it could be on his free time. I would be devistated if this happened to my dog, so I fully agree with him trying to get this to be illegal.I don't think the SJ should have put that picture on the front pf the paper because little kids DO see the paper too, but it is done so everybody just needs to get over it. I am so sorry for your lose. Trapping should be illegal on public land, people do learn to hunt at a young age and what if it has been a child.
3/14/2009
Penes' Momma says....
I will sya this to all the people who are saying "it's just a dog"!!! Our beagle is our little girl. She is a big part of our family. She is one of our kids. Now to the ones who can't/won't believe that, go back to your childhood and remember how bad you wanted a pet. Remember your folks saying "No"!! Hmmm! I wonder why! This photo is wrong. SJ should have used one of the others for the paper. This one was used for only one thing. To help get a point acrossed to the BIG SHOTS in Topeka. Not to mention Officer Mansfield. Anyways, being a member of our beagles family, this photo of 20 mth old Bella, will forever stay in my heart. But come on SJ, remind yourself that kids read your paper. WOW that would be some report, I would hate to be the teacher who recieves that one....Thanks All....
3/14/2009
Mandys Mom - RIP says....
I recently lost a little beagle mix dog that looked much like Bella while she was in my arms. I cried the moment I saw Bellas picture on the front page and was immediately appaled. However, after reading the story I was angry. Not that the picture was posted but that such a horrible tragedy could happen on public land where we take our pets under the assumption that they will not be threatened by such traps. If it weren't for the horrific picture, I probably would not have read the story behind the picture. I understand that sometimes it takes the Journal "getting our attention" to bring such matters to light. My heart goes out to Bellas owner. Loosing a beloved pet is difficult and I am sure that reliving it in the paper was hard, but I am proud of him for being brave enough to bring this matter to our attention.
3/14/2009
HuntFishTrap says....
As a law enforcement officer, a trapper, hunter and dog owner, I must offer my sympathies to Mansfield for the loss of his dog. I don't know how I would feel if something similar happened to one of my dogs. I use bucket traps, which is what the conibear traps set in a bucket are commonly referred to, in some of my trapping, but take great care to make sure I do not set them on property where anyone will be hunting with dogs or near any homes where a dog may wander over to it. I also use foothold traps in a lot of my trapping, which do very little, if any damage to most animals caught in them. I am quite confident that I could release a dog unharmed from a foothold trap, as I even managed to get my own hand caught in one while adjusting it earlier this year. While I was not going to remove my hand without getting the springs down, I was not even left with a bruise on my hand. As to the risk of conibear traps on public land, I don't trap on public land, as I have been fortunate enough to get access on private land for my trapping. I believe the responsible choice of baits in the bucket traps, as well as remote locations, eliminate most of the risks to domestic animals. Using non-meat baits when targeting raccoons, which are the primary target of bucket traps, will greatly help avoiding non-target catches. I believe banning conibears and snares on public land will prevent sound management of furbearers on those lands. Snares, when set properly, serve mostly to restrain an animal, in much the same way that a choke chain is used on a dog by many dog owners. Conibears can be responsibly used, but care to bait and location are important. The more prominent inclusion of these factors in the Furharvester Education Course would help, as well as efforts to educate those trappers who have already taken the course. Even though most trappers are careful setting their traps, I encourage all hunters who use dogs and anyone who has their dogs in the country to learn how to open conibear traps. Many non-trappers do not understand how these traps work, and I didn't until this past year when I started using them. I am posting a web address here that links to a site showing a simple way to open these traps without the setting tool most trapper use with them. http://www.trapperman.com/trapperman/Basic_Sets_Conirope.html I encourage dog owners to learn about this because even though you might keep your dog on property that no one has permission to trap, there are unfortunately poachers who will illegally set traps where they do no have permission and in the process can put your dogs at risk. No ban on conibear traps will affect this. I hope that if some dog owners learn how to open these traps then some tragedies can be avoided. I understand many who read this will never understand hunting or trapping, and there is not much I, or anyone else, can do to change their minds. I accept that, but I hope that most others realize that hunters and trappers work hard to minimize any pain felt by the animals we hunt and trap. Our goal is to harvest an available resource, not to cause pain to any animal, wild or domestic.
3/14/2009
Another Hunter says....
By the way, let's all just worship the Dogs and forget about the sensless killing of human beings that do not even get as much attention as this. Come on, Mr. Police man, get past it a do your job!! I sympothize with you and have a Champion German Short Hair Pointer that cost us a fortune. While we love him, we do not worship him and would not turn the world upside down if something happened to him. He is just a dog!
3/14/2009
TOTALLY APPAULED says....
I agree with the many others that have posted here that this article was totally not necessary. People who get murdered don't even get that much attention. The only reason that the photo was posted was that he is a Law Informent Officer. As a Law Officer, he should of known there would be traps on public land. What I want to know from the journal is if my Champion German Short Hair Pointer gets killed because I am hunting on public land, are they going to give him the same attention? Or better yet, are thy going to Post a big photo like that the next time a Human being is murdered? My guess, Nope. The only reason they did it was because of his position.
3/14/2009
trapper says....
If he stood there and watch it die for six minutes, shouldn't he be charged with cruelty to animals, beings a cop should have shot it right away and put it out iof it's misery.
3/14/2009
bear339 says....
It is too bad the dog had to die this way, but the bottom line is, the trappers were not doing anything illegal and the dog belonged to an Officer of the Law. Had it been any other person's dog, it would NOT have made headlines.
3/14/2009
Chris M says....
The Salina Journal does a relatively good job at responsible journalism. Usually, this paper brings to the public attention, in a timely manner, objectively and representing all sides, subjects that have some affect on some portion of the varied population of this community. However, though I agree that the picture of Bella and that monster of a trap needed to be seen, it was terribly irresponsible to have not provided some type of warning that this disturnbing and graphic image was present. I was so upset by the image that I could not stop crying and my husband had to cover the picture so that I would even read the paper and I was very fearful about picking up and reading today's paper for fear of being forced to view another graphic image. I am sorry that Mr. Mansfield lost his beloved Bella. I do appreciate him and the Salina Journal for bringing this to the public attention. It is now the responsibility of the public to take action. The Salina Journal has a responsibility to, at the very least, give a person a choice of viewing or avoiding something so graphic. Please, provide a warning. Let us make the choice of to view or not to view graphic material. Let us have the control to protect those that are very sensitive in nature.
3/14/2009
Spanky says....
Perhaps some crooked lighting or a football in the same picture would have been good. Alot of people would have been happier with that. Had anyone smoked around the dog within the last couple of hours? If so, there will be no worry about Bella dying from second hand smoke.
3/14/2009
Ernest says....
I believe the pictures were necessary. The shock is relevant to this issue; however, I believe there is a bigger matter that needs to be argued. The use of traps is the greater problem. Why does the death of personal pet finally get the attention of the people? The trap did what it was designed to do, like a bullet, it does not discriminate. It has become so much of our culture, especially in this area, that hunting is fun--sport. Hunting is a necessary practice for some people to provide food, and the practice is traditionally as old as man is. I have no personal issues with the act of hunting; however, I question some of the methods and the mentalities of some hunters. Many hunters kill just because it is “the” season—eagerly waiting. This dog’s death was unnecessary, and so is the death of many other animals trapped in these types of device(s); animals hunted just for fun. This dog suffered like any other animal suffers. The traps make for a painful death. Get rid of the traps—indolence. I am an owner of a dog and I love him like a child. Indeed, this is heart wrenching.
3/14/2009
Crazy stupid barbaric trapper says....
Wow, I cant belive how uneducated the public is on trapping. Some say theses traps should be easier to take off. Doing so would make them less effective. If any animal was caught in it, it would just suffer more. Over the years these traps have been made better and better to try and dispatch the animal as quickly as possible. What this trapper was doing was perfectly legal, people hunting these public areas need to know that there is the possibility of there animal being in the trap and know what to do if it were to happen. Theres the people who say trappers are barbaric and need to be stopped. Would you rather see them die from disease and starvation. Trapping helps keep the numbers in check and keeps the population healthy. But if you want coons coming into town, raiding your garbages, spreading rabies then I guess a ban on trapping is the answer? As for the talk about kids getting caught. Who honestly belives that some kid is going to hike two hours into the woods, and stick his head into a bucket. I belive the public needs to be more informed about trapping. Heck, theres even criminals posting on here. Willy states that he has, and will take any trap he sees set. That is THEFT!!!! Oh well, everyone just have fun stealing, letting your children run off into the vast wilderness unsupervised, and playing with a plauge of raccoons that will soon be invading your area due to the ban of traps
3/14/2009
says....
i know of someone else this same thing happen to how terible for the person that owns the dog
3/13/2009
Cari says....
Thank you, Dr. Atherton, for your words!! Carson, my heart goes out to you for your loss!! I hope Bella's death is not in vain!! Read "Rainbow Bridge" sometime... You can find it on the internet.
3/13/2009
Tara says....
I was appalled and horrified to see the disturbing picture of the precious beagle pup on the front of the online edition. I realize that you are trying to bring attention to the issue of having traps on public land. However, did you have to bring this person, who loves dogs more than anything in this world, to tears? Luckily, my faithful companion Miles was here to kiss my tears away. At the very least, you could have provided a warning or disclaimer about the graphic nature of the picture and article.
3/13/2009
What! says....
Hope you werent driving with your dog in your lap or lose in the vehicle in the photo thats posted!. Even K9 cops keep their trained dogs locked in the back.
3/13/2009
OU812 says....
While the death of the dog is unfortunate and I'm sure the owner is feeling terrible. Being in law enforcement, he should know that there are lots of tragic things that happen to humans on a daily basis that do not get front page news like this. I would fully expect them to publish pics of a domestic violence victim or a kid that was killed in a car crash with a drunk. All these things cause emotions to run high, but come on paper let's not be biased, show us everything tragic in society, not just the ones you as a writer or publisher may have an issue with.
3/13/2009
johnd says....
The picture is absolutely necessary to bring the story home.
3/13/2009
KWU Student says....
Without the picture you wouldn't understand how Bella really suffered. It was printed to show you that a beloved pet was killed in a horrible way. It should make you uncomfortable because it's not right. It is news and the Salina Journal has every right to print it. If you don't like it go back to living in a box where you believe your world is perfect. Then when somethings happens to you don't complain to the rest of us because it might ruin our perfect worlds.
3/13/2009
Proud Informed Furharvester says....
Although Bella's death was tragic, it should be pointed out that the only illegal act here was the failure on the part of the trapper to properly, and legally, tag his trap with his name and contact information. Even if the trap had been tagged, the end result would have been the same. Conibears were designed to kill quickly, and yes, humanely. At their own expense, the trapping industry has just come through a two decades-long process by which all key players in the international fur industry, including the European Union and the East - major buyers of North American furs - developed Best Management Practices (BMP's) for all traps, including conibear traps BMP's were passed, creating guidelines in their design, use and regulation. Ironically, the very animal welfarist groups that many here cite were actively involved in this process and, as a result of their input, conibears were redesigned to be even more effective at their purpose - to kill the animal within a minimal number of minutes rather than restraining them indefintely. Mr. Mansfield states that Bella died in about six minutes. That's probably pretty accurate from what I've seen from the BMP testing results and from my own experiece with conibears. And the injuries, as stated by the vet, were likely due to the fact that the modern design of these traps, as demanded by animal welfare groups, results in two adjacent vertebrae being separated, effectively severing the spinal cord and rendering the animal brain dead. Not a pretty thought to mull, but the point is that traps are not just thrown together by a bunch of slack-jawed mouth breathing rednecks and slung carelessly about the countryside. People should be very careful to not falsely conclude that they, having no experience trapping or even knowing anything about trapping, are self-appointed authorities on the subject. Just as important is understanding why the trap was on that public hunting ground. The trapper was not a poacher, nor did he set that trap with the express intent of killing someone's dog. This was truly unfortunate and tragic, and my condolences go out to Carson. But, there is a back story to why trapping is allowed on those acres and it's important to understand that before you pass judgment. Until about ten years ago, furharvesting season for such species as bobcats and coons closed on the same day as upland game (pheasants, quail). Sportsmen like Mr. Mansfield complained to state wildlife officials that they weren't satisfied with the numbers of birds and bunnies on public hunting grounds and asked that something be done to remedy the problem. Officials determined that the problem was depredation losses due to raccoons, bobcats, coyotes and the like. As one gentleman for whom I trap during the regular season on private ground complained to me about a tract he manages for his own hunting once said, "With all the predators I have on my place, I can't keep the pheasants, quail or turkeys around. Those that aren't killed by nest raiding predators don't make it long after hatching." Officials enlisted the help of the state's trappiong association to ientify a workable solution that benefited everyone. I knew people who were part of the committee that developed their solution. The reason that there was very little trapping, and relatively no predator control on public hunting grounds was because we were concerned that the very thing that happened here would happen then. So, we requested that KDWP extend our trapping season for two weeks after all other seasons had closed to allow us a 14 or 15-day period in which we could blitz those public hunting grounds, trap them intensely, and remove as many raccons, skunks, possums, bobcats, coyotes, foxes and badgers as possible. Since that policy change, it has been my opinion that those properties have been producing much better because more animals - both game and nongame - are surviving to adulthood. Even after the policy change, we vehemently encouraged Kansas trappers as part of their trapper education and in just about every coni-bucket seminar I've ever seen to go as far back off the beaten path as possible and to set traps in areas where other people aren't likely to go so as to avoid catching hunting dogs and pets. Carson cites that he had a 2-hour walk back to his truck. Sounds to me like the trapper might have done what had been suggested, but things still turned out poorly. "Public hunting grounds" is a misnomer. Although this incident happened on federal ground, much of the WIHA and state ground was leased or purchased using sportsmens' dollars, not state tax money. Because of this, if you do not buy a hunting or fur harvesting license, I challenge whether or not you do actually have the right to use that property for walking and recreating like you claim. Sadly, this is a pay to play world and if you haven't been part of the source for funding, maybe you need to stay in the city park. As I stated earlier, the only thing illegal about this trap was the absence of a tag. Having a tag on it would have not changed the outcome, and even at that, having identified the trapper, Mr. Mansfield would have had no legal authority for recourse against the trapper. Both were using the ground for its intended purpose, and doing so legally. Bad things happen. That's life. In the same way that Mr. Mansfield possessed a hunting license purchased from the great state of Kansas, the trapper, hopefully, had a license of his own, also purchased from the state of Kansas. Both were legal. What really needs to be done, rather than outlawing one of our most effective means by which to control predator numbers, is for the state of Kansas to educate other sportsman's groups that these properties will experience heavy trapping pressure during the two week period beginning February 1 each year with the intent of reducing predator numbers as we go into nesting season and, should they turn their dogs loose on that property, know that they do so at their own risk. I've trapped for many years, run coonhounds, and called predators most of my life. There wasn't a single night that I unclipped my coonhound not knowing that it might be the last time I ever saw him alive. It was an accepted risk and the cost of doing business. Whether it is Mansfield or Bell who made the decision to post that picture, Mansfield should know that as a hunter, he has committed one of the most egregious acts of betrayal that he can put upon the hunting community. By throwing conibears under the bus, he has offered up the consumptive use of wildlife in Kansas to the extremist animal rights movement like a pig on a platter. Kansas, being one of the country's last bastions of rural lifetsyle, is considered a true trophy by groups like PETA and the Humane Society of the United States, groups recognized by our own Justice Department as domestic terrorist organizations. In doing so, he threatens to comprimise the ability of both upland bird and furbearer management programs to do their job as effectively as they have in the past, making Kansas a showcase for American wildlife management. Few states have the variety of game and non-game in the numbers as we do here in Kansas, and we didn't get that way by letting nature run its course. For those of you that do not support trapping because it's barbaric or unethical to exploit wildlife for profit, the profit incentive is how we get people to trap. Without that, furbearere management would be non-existant and animals like raccoons and coyotes would decimate other "more valuable" species. Game animals like deer, pheasants and waterfowl are hunted for sport and that is generally accepted by society because those animals are killed and eaten. Most all trapped animals fall into at least one of three different categories - carnivore, scavenger or rodent. Some fit into more than one. Regrdless, this country was founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs and, for the most part, our religious upbringing considers each of these three groups to be inedible. Think about it. Through controlled and regulated trapping, the fur industry creates a financial incentive that brings trappers into the game to provide a service to the public (population control) at no cost to tax payers. In those states where trapping has been banned, furbearer related damage amounts have skyrocketed and the state and local governments find themselves scrambling to pay government licensed trappers to eradicate problem aniamls. In that sense, when trapping is outlawed, everyone becomes a trapper. Except that hardly anyone has the actual blood on their hands. Every hunter in the state of Kansas, and across the nation for that matter, owe Mr. Carson and Mr. Bell a debt of gratitude for burying this knife in our collective backs. Trapping has always been the tip of the spear in protecing the rights of American sportsmen and women and it's boehead stunts like this that keep us in the good fight. Talk about short-sighted...
3/13/2009
ONE LESS CUSTOMER says....
I DID NOT NEED TO SEE THAT PICTURE. POOR JUDGEMENT...WHY WAS THAT NECESSARY?
3/13/2009
Doglover says....
Now lets see what shows up on the 333 line. Nice to have replys to an article. Need to wake up more people. Maybe pictures from the war zones would help stop support for wars.
3/13/2009
billy bob says....
should we really have a cop on the force that isn't able to figure out how to open a conibear trap? Seriously what good would he be if there was a child in danger? And it's obvious the SJ is in financial trouble to be placing a photo like this on the front page.
3/13/2009
says....
I don't need to see a picture on a dead dog on the front page of the paper. Please use better judgment next time.
3/13/2009
Space says....
I feel bad for the owner of the dog, just like the rest of you. I support the trapper, as he what he did was legal, and a sport he enjoys. What I don't like is the Salina Journal has sunken to this level to post and plaster this image on the front page of the newspaper to make a reaction. That's one way to sell a paper, post something like this right on the front page, where children walking into the gas station can look at this. I can't believe the Journal has sunken to this low to sell a paper, and I hope whoever made the call to include the picture to sell a couple more papers has to have the picture on his/her desk to remind them of the level they are at to sell a product.
3/13/2009
justactrygal says....
He's salina police chief ..I think salina j will print and show anything for him ...and they did..Mansfield ...would anyone else get this attention ..if that was my dog and I called the police would you do this for anyone else
3/13/2009
says....
OMG i am soo sorry for the senseless death of this dog. i have 2 and i couldnt imagine what i wouldve done if that was my dog!!! they are my babies just like bella was yours. this picture makes me cry!!! make traps illegal!! im with you 100% in support!
3/13/2009
trapper and wife of trapper says....
Yep, the PETA people will run with this. So Obama will take our guns away and SJ will take our traps away.... how will we take care of the coyotes in New Cambria? Maybe with our hands? I guess we can gather all the deer around us next fall and tell them they can't out run a car or they could kill themselves or the people in the car. We need to keep this stuff out of the news because people who never leave town don't see the real world and when they do all they want to do is cause problems for the rest of us. For all you who think trapping is unnessary today have you ever thought about what would happen to our ecosystem if we could not trap? Think about it. Maybe you would lock your dog up at night so something won't get it. Unless it is an illegal trap a conibear trap will not break your hand.
3/13/2009
concearned human says....
When did our sociaty put animals before human life? A young man was shot and killed a couple of years ago when a coyote hunter was shooting at what he thought was a coyote but was a young man hunting geese. Where was the outcry to stop coyote hunting or to stop using guns? There a many hunting accidents each year involving humans but I here no cry to stop hunting or the use of guns.It is sad when the death of an animal creates more of an uproar than the death of a young man.
3/13/2009
Shadow says....
Also, This case is like a month old. Shouldn't he be over it by now and start solving crime. It seems like he is more concerned about the traps, than solving murders. So much for public safety. It seems like he has spent the last month whining to get this in the paper. He should be out doing his job.
3/13/2009
Rachel says....
Why are some of these posters ASSUMING he was driving when he took that picture? Why do they also ASSUME that because he's a Police Officer that he's using the department's time and resources to promote this story? Is it not possible that he owns a camera of his own and is using his free time to promote awareness? Also, the article says that he couldn't get the trap off his dog, so would you have preferred he leave his beloved pet in the middle of that field to get eaten by coyotes? Another point, comparing this story to a dog getting run over in the street is like comparing apples to oranges. Dogs shouldn't be running in the street whereas dogs running on public hunting ground is perfectly normal. One last thing, I've seen the Journal run many stories that do not involve Police Officers, so perhaps they had other reasons for running this story. Many of these derogatory comments are asinine. Think before you post!
3/13/2009
madhatter says....
I can't think of how many ways showing that picture is just wrong. Why didn't you just a picture of the trap and and a picture of the dog when she was alive. Not a picture of a dead dog in trap. I can think a few place I like to see the trap snaped shut on and they all belong to the heartless people who set them!!!
3/13/2009
Tara says....
Thanks for ruining my night by allowing such a horrific picture of an innocent wonderful dog run on the front page of your online edition. I realize you are trying to make a point about the danger of traps on public land. HOWEVER, a disclaimer or warning about the content of the story and picture was definitely warranted. Some of us who love our dogs as if they were born to us cannot handle seeing them hurt or dead. Luckily, I have a wonderful doggy that can kiss my tears away.
3/13/2009
Mike says....
Way to go Salina J. Who ever gave permission to post this picture is a low life. You feel good? What a great way to start a day.
3/13/2009
Free American says....
You notice the man is a hunter. so its so inhumane that his dog died in a trap as he hunts down and kills non domesticated animals. Do any of you people feel bad for the aniimals he has killed as a hunter. Do you think the lives of the animals he has killed are of lesser value than his domesticated animal. boo hoo poor police man. go pet your dead dog and have a nice day.
3/13/2009
says....
Shame on you Salina J. Having this picture on the front page. I thought you were responsible, but I realize you are lowlife.
3/13/2009
Lorie says....
People need to see this sad photo - both children and adults. This is the suffering trappers inflict on animals. Trapping is not needed for human survival in this day and age. There is little market for fur in the United States. What is trapping other than a barbaric sport? Please show more of the hideous pain inflicted by trappers on innocent creatures. Wait until a child get caught in one of these things
3/13/2009
Big John says....
The demise of the dog is unfortunate. That being said,we as hunters and trappers need to stick togeater on issues such as these. Ban traps on public ground and next they will ban any activity. Seems to me that education is in order. Any hunter knows the risk of letting your dog run.Don't have a knee jerk reaction to the death of a dog. I'm for letting everyone use public ground for it's intended purpose.
3/13/2009
Pete says....
It's a stupid law to allow trapping on public lands. Why not set an "acid pit" for kids and pets to fall in, too?
3/13/2009
Concerned owner says....
So, what did people think a few years ago about the puppy that was burned with acid and and "discarded" that was shown on KAKE TV ? Seeing that puppy suffer on TV was horrible. His agony was horribly extended. To some of us, those "animals" are our children. How would you feel if your child got into one of those traps, or someone threw acid on them and left them for dead... or to lay and suffer, until death took them away. Nothing worse sits in my mind than watching and not being able to do anything to any avail to save my child or my beloved pet. I do agree, sad to see this in the paper, but such a good way to get the attention of those in force to change the laws. Our hearts go out for the loss and hopefully things will change to get rid of these devices... As a side note.. those of u who question if Carson has his seat belt on in the picture ... I ask you... WAS HE DRIVING AT THE TIME ??? Seems to me, I've had my "boys" in the car and we are sitting in the parking lot for a picture, we don't have seat belts on.... IS THAT A CRIME??? Think about it b4 u submit remarks like that with out knowing
3/13/2009
jr says....
No it's not Just because he's a Cop that the picture was printed. It's because he is the only one who has the courage to step forward and try to let everyone know what an outrage these traps are. Courage and Compassion.... I think that's a great quality in someone who pledges his life to serve and protect! No one should be outraged by this, not even a child. This is something that needed to be addressed and I for one am glad that we have Public Servants that Care! As for the children that don't understand? Well how about telling them the truth!
3/13/2009
concerned says....
I have a question for you guys/gals/trappers who are questioning the this situation... I think you need to think REAL hard about this... What if you were out hunting with YOUR dog and your dog got caught in it and god-forbid died. What would you think? I'm not against trapping, I'm against trapping on PUBLIC property.
3/13/2009
Sick says....
THAT PICTURE IS WRONG!!!!!
3/13/2009
Animal Lover says....
Animal abuse makes me sick! I can not believe you put that on the front page. I will be stopping my paper today. Unbelievable! Tom Bell you are a sick person. This should get someone in trouble.
3/13/2009
me says....
The picture of Bella in the trap was not necessary!
3/13/2009
Shadow says....
If it was my dog, nobody would care. I guess if your a cop you get the front page of SJ. It is sad what happened to the dog. But SJ did not have to put the picture on the front page for my kid to see.
3/13/2009
CC in Kansas says....
Public or Private land...these traps should be made illegal. But that will probably never happen.The makers of these traps should at least be made to be able to free an animal from this type of trap more easily. I have a german shepherd who got caught in one of these traps that was on a creek that within 100 yrds of our farm house. It was placed was on private land without persmission. My dog...busted the trap loose drug it and the chain that was attached to it home. It crushed one side of his scull, broke an eardrum, and broke blood vessels in his eyes. Had it not been for my dogs large size and my neighbor being close with the tool to get him out...he would have died. These traps are horrible and should be made illegal for any land...and if not that...then made to be able to free it's animal easier. If they were made with a quick release mechanism.. maybe Carson's dog would still be alive. I know that time was of essence in the release of my dog. I do have to say that showing the picture was a little over the top.
3/13/2009
Oldsportsman says....
Well the picture brings home a point. Traps are dangerous. Think about the size of the dog. Kids are currious and some aren't much bigger than the dog. The public lands are for everyone for most every recreational pourpose. The trap should have had the trappers name and adress and phone number. Without such it would have been maliciously set and abandoned. Trapers can use live traps they are just as effective and are fair to all involved thus avoiding wrongfull death. Yes we can all play safely together. Conabear traps and all death traps should be banned.
3/13/2009
Ash says....
if it would have been a child then there would have been footage on tv of the kids arm and the pictures of what agony the child went through.....so yes there would have been twice as many disturbing pictures....the picture of the dog got it out inthe open what happens and what couldve been a child
3/13/2009
wife of hunter says....
people get over it public hunting and trapping is just that for the public. Use better judgment when letting your dog run free during any hunting or trapping season
3/13/2009
Get a conscience says....
To those who are upset with the SJ for running this article with the photo, I say, "wake-up out of your Pollyanna World". Deliberate violence happens to animals everyday at the hands of human cruelty and indifference. I applaud the Journal for giving attention to an article that would typically either go unprinted or be hidden in the back pages. If you take offense when reading the article, then don’t misdirect your anger and outrage toward the paper who reports on it – instead direct your attention to those individuals who condone the practice of trapping. Let your emotions speak to your conscience and help make a change in the laws that would allow something like this to be legal. To the hunters & trappers who are writing in with harsh and snide comments toward SJ and the man whose dog was killed – I say, "you only further give hunters and trappers a bad name”. Would it be too much for you to offer one word of condolence? Rubbing salt in the wound only shows your lack of compassion, and further underscores your hardened, cruel indifference toward wildlife, pets, and pet owners. We are no longer living in a “wild frontier” where our survival depends on trapping animals for food and clothes. Those days are over, yet apparently our laws still allow these traps that cause unnecessary pain and suffering to animals. It is my hope that this controversial article will educate enough people about this subject to bring about change to our outdated laws.
3/13/2009
says....
Trapping in this manner should be banned. On AnY land. I know hunters don't typically think of how they maim the animals they kill, but wasn't the guy in the story doing the very thing to other animals? Why is a dog different than other animals just because we consider them to be more doesn't mean they are. I would like to see all hunters be humane, whether it be shooting animals or trapping them. I realize that we do need to hunt, but it shouldn't be a game with no regard for the animal.
3/13/2009
jr says....
This is for Enbee....If you had read the whole story, he tried with everything in him to save his dog...He DID NOT CHOOSE..... to prolong HER Suffering. Wake up People....This isn't about "RIGHTS" this is about "1" issue that needs to be resolved. Hunting in itself is not on the discussion block here!
3/13/2009
willy says....
Carson Sorry for your loss. If I come across a trap on opublic property I am pulling it. We lived in the country and somebody had the nerve to put a trap by our pond. Guess what? They don't have that trap anymore. Responsibility lies with the trapper here They should not be allowed on public property. Been reeading this with interest. The picture was a little over the top but let me tell you what. People will remember this. Give me a break about how our country was founded. this is a way different society. THOSE TRAPS DO NOT BELONG ON PUBLIC LAND
3/13/2009
shifty says....
I dont have a problem with trapping but why do you have to bait the trap. If this trap wouldnt have had the bait she probably wouldnt have even looked at it and walked right by. I dont think I will be taking my 2 beagles to any of our lakes.
3/13/2009
says....
Rich, if that's all you got out of this story, 'someone messing with a trap,' you missed the point.
3/13/2009
says....
This photo sure slaps you in the face with the reality of how cruel these traps are. As long as they continue to use these on public land - its just a matter of time until another incident happens and we wonder why nothing was done to prevent it. Thank you SJ for publishing the photo, I'll find other places to hike.
3/13/2009
kindaSucks says....
Kinda sucks getting screwed by the law doesnt it? Few points... Trappers have equal access to public lands too. If the leash law is followed this was all prevented.. With hunting there is a risk. Im sure the rabbit in a dogs teeth doesnt see things much different than this situation.
3/13/2009
hunter safety says....
Kudos to the Journal (and I don't pass them out to the Journal very often) for not being afraid to post this prominently to bring attention to this problem!!! Without this publication of ugly truth, how will bad things get fixed? Yes, it is awful and hard to explain to children, but HELLO! Life is real, death is real, and we need to be educated on the ugliness that needs to be rectified. I'm fine with trapping on private land only. Hunters must get permission to hunt private land and the land owners should be letting the hunters with permission know about traps for safety sake. Hunters on private land without permission...THAT would be a different story, and very sad, but too bad. We need to change this law.
3/13/2009
EnBee says....
This picture SHOULD NOT have been printed for all to see, and certainly NOT front page, in color, and above the fold! Stories on TV news that are graphic and disgusting are preceded by a warning. I didn't get a warning this morning when I unfolded the paper. I am enraged by the whole incident, including an owner who would choose to prolong an animal's suffering, but i am also enraged by your choice to FEATURE this horribly sad photo in this manner. The other pictures with the story would have been sufficient.
3/13/2009
labluvr says....
Horrible decision to print that picture. It's a shame that you had to show an animal suffering.
3/13/2009
David Atherton says....
The trap was illegally placed. I removed it (with a hacksaw) before we buried her. Even if the trap had been able to be removed before she died, the dog had permanent damage. The trap was not identified with the trappers name or it would have been legal. All pertinent information and reports have been made with appropriate authorities. Carson did not know that the pictures would be on the front page of the paper, or even in the paper. He is busy raising awareness of this terrible situation and trying to make walking your dog across public land more safe for your dog. The pictures are controversial, and I can understand this. My wife won't look at them. They are raising awareness, though, and are doing what was intended. This is not an all out attempt to get rid of trapping. It is an honest protest against snares and conibears on public property. Nebraska has already outlawed these types of traps on public property. This is unpleasant situation. Many people are not exposed to life and death situations. Try spending a few days at the animal shelter and find out what life is about. A few days at a vet clinic will show the same. Real life is not seen through rose colored glasses.
3/13/2009
kwood says....
My thoughts and prayers go out to carson Mansfield and his family, the loss of a loved animal is a painful one, especially when you witness it. I think the picture was hard to see, however the "truth" in it is more important, i hopw something is done to resolve the trapping problems.
3/13/2009
mh says....
I like how some of you keep saying, "what if it was a child". What would a child be doing out there by themselves? He said that he had a TWO HOUR hike back to his vehicle, do you really think there is going to be small children just running around out there? Anybody that is a hunter should not support this message, because if they do ban trapping, your hunting rights will be next on the chopping block.
3/13/2009
Rich says....
I think the cop should be brought up on charges for messing with someone elses trap.
3/13/2009
Beagle Mom says....
I am not happy about the front page photo. It was not necessary to get the point of the article across. I suggest you have more compassion in the future. And if it was a 'curious chid' as someone mentioned above, would you really want to see that photo on the front page? If so, get some psychiatric help, because that is disturbing.
3/13/2009
says....
Traps are legal, it was his own fault for hunting there. Rabbit season is year round, he sould have hunted after all the other seasons ended.
3/13/2009
Catmando says....
You folks will regret trying to "outlaw" traps. This year has been terrible for wild animals. Wait until spring when the rabid animals drift into town. Why don't you do a story on all the cats being dumped in the country. That is truely cruel. I have 4 new cats that I'm going to have to take care of - one way or another.
3/13/2009
thousand words says....
Do I need glasses? I looked at that pic several times and there is no blood. A small child who is not yet able to read could easily be told and believe the dog was asleep. For those that can read they live in Salina and surrounding areas maybe they take walks with grandpa at Thomas Park I have seen traps back in the wooded area and the near by Dry Creek. A pictures worth a thousand words kids dont listen bout running ahead or keeping up. Maybe this picture will save a childs hand, arm or foot. By the way I thought it was curiosity killed the cat?
3/13/2009
Trapper says....
Why do people keep saying what if this was a child?The man lost his beloved beagle not his child.What about in this poor economy the deputy who stole the trappers trap pays him for his inconvenience.And yet no one cares about the trapper.Is this Kansas or CA!!!
3/13/2009
x-subscriber says....
Thanks Salina Journal for the picture, my 7 year old just loved it let me tell you. No more Subscription renewal from our family! Whats next, porn in the Sunday Paper?
3/13/2009
alcseed@yahoo.com says....
I think the whole concept of trapping is barbaric and disgusting. It should be out-lawed.Yes our country was founded with trappers, but we used to scalp people and tie them to anthills. Time goes on and things change.
3/13/2009
A.J. says....
I cannot believe that this was allowed to be printed in the paper. How horrible of the Salina Journal to publish this picture, this is in very bad taste and whoever is responsible for okaying this should be ashamed of themselves.
3/13/2009
Long-Gone says....
Sensationalism? Akin to the Enquirer? Come on, Salina! This is REAL journalism here. The hard, ugly truth. Why do Salinans insist on living in a happy little bubble, with pretty pictures and a complete lack of reality. After 30 years I was lucky to escape that town, off to the real world (good AND bad). It's no wonder Salina will NEVER top 50,000 people, it will never make any progress, it will fight tooth and nail to remain a small little backwards town.
3/13/2009
jr says....
Wake up People!! If you really think the only reason this made front page news is because of Deputy Chief of Police's status in the community, you are dead wrong. it's because of his tragedy and his commitment to the law that this made the front page! This was not only a hunting dog, but a beloved member of his family and she died! Because some idiot set a trap on public land. If this had happened to anyone of your children or your pet, you would be appauled too. This needs to be addressed and I think it was very hard for him to take the picture but he knew he had to do something. Bella should not die in vain....This needs to Stop!
3/13/2009
K says....
THAT PICTURE IS RIDICULOUS! THAT SHOULDN'T OF EVEN BE ALLOWED ONLINE! OBVIOUSLY THE JOURNAL IS NOT A HUGE DOG LOVER! REMOVE THAT PIC ASAP! HORRIBLE HORRIBLE TASTE!!!!! DISGUSTED!
3/13/2009
says....
If I'm not mistaken, aren't conibear traps supposed to be submerged? And is the SJ so short on creativity as to resort to using obscene pictures of dead animals to boost buzz/sales? Who's minding the store??
3/13/2009
LLCoolJ says....
This goes against everything I was taught in journalism school. One of the ethic rules we were taught was NEVER show death in print or TV. And secondly, the front page is reserved for breaking news - this story happened a month ago!
3/13/2009
Citizen says....
Seriously! That picture is disturbing... What were you thinking??? Now along with the dog in the dump picture from a few years back, I'll now have this image burned in my brain too. Thanks a lot!
3/13/2009
jeffro says....
It was unconscionable and unnecessary to publish that picture. Doesn't anyone with any brains proofread and edit this paper? On the other hand, gore-seekers need not have to log on to sleazy internet sites to view cool snuff images. Thanks Salina Urinal!
3/13/2009
Oh, bother! says....
If this picture upsets people then be careful where you drive. There is a man holding up a sign with a partial aborted fetus. I don't see people complaining about that; of course because its his freedom of speech.
3/13/2009
c.m. says....
I am very displeased that this photo was ran in the paper.
3/13/2009
Heather says....
While I agree with the story and the motive behind doing the story, I do NOT think the photo of Bella caught in the trap should have been printed on the front page, I personally dont think it should have been printed at all but at the very least you could have put it on page 2!!!! Very disturbing and poor judgement on the SJ's part. Small children probably saw this!!
3/13/2009
The syko one says....
I just honestly do not know what to say about this. I do feel the picture being printed in the paper was a necessary evil. Sometimes some people do not get it unless it smacks them up side the head. Is there another type of trap that could be used in place of these that would be just as effective at capturing the intended prey, but not harming the animal just in case someone's pet found it?
3/13/2009
says....
Trapping fur is one of the things that founded this country!! This land is owned by the state...NOT this land is the peoples of this state to recreate on. We as outdoorsmen have to stick together. Feel for this gentleman and his dog but if we let the PETA wackos ban trapping they will come after your hound hunting next. Isnt it just as cruel to let this dog run free and chase poor rabbits to their death? NO!! Its life. Wildlife lives and dies, thats the way it is folks. Lots of danger in the outdoors for a pet. If this area hadnt been kept in check by a trapper keeping the population of coyotes and such down this very well could have been a poor beagle attacked by a coyote. Just look at the news in states that have banned alot of trapping. California has daily pet attacks and numerous attacks on humans!! Enough said.
3/13/2009
Ash says....
i do beleive that the picture was worth the turmoil....most people have no idea what a trap can do to an animal......still what could this have dun to a childs arm since is was set on PUBLIC LAND!!!
3/13/2009
Ash says....
over half of my family traps, but not one of them is dumb enough to put traps on public land where not only dogs are very active but children has any one thought about a childs hand or arm being in that trap!!!!
3/13/2009
Lingohocken says....
Running the dog photo was not sensationalism, but courageous. People who want pink ruffles and perfume to gloss over life's difficult moments should consider moving to monasteries. It is unacceptable that citizens can't stroll with their dogs or tots on public open space without risking trauma or death from secreted jaws traps. If these indiscriminate traps must be allowed, then they should be restricted to clearly marked niches so the public is forewarned.
3/13/2009
D says....
Why is shock journalism so popular? The picture is just too much. It distracts from the story itself because all I want to do is find something else to look at.
3/13/2009
former subscriber says....
This photo was not appropriate for a family newspaper. This is no different than abortion protesters on the side of the road holding photos. I would not invite those protesters into my home. I will no longer welcome the Salina Journal in my home
3/13/2009
Uniformed says....
Sorry about your pet , but I have to disagree with you on this it is your responsibility to manage your pet you know this as a citizen and as a public servant put the blame where it belongs on the owner who did not have control of his pet, and having hunted in this area before knowing very well of the trapping that has been done over the years there , you should have been more cautious!
3/13/2009
Lee says....
Kill traps should be outlawed--period. Anywhere.Thank you for running this photo!
3/13/2009
Trapper says....
Who lets there children run loose in the woods to stumble upon the bucket.Yes it is a great sport yet not for all but for those whom love it.
3/13/2009
says....
I'm glad to see that he loved his dog so much that he put a shock collar on her! Don't believe me, take a good look at both the disgusting picture and the one with her on his lap, where he's not wearing a seatbelt. Talk about inhumane!
3/13/2009
A says....
sick and not right to put this photo up here
3/13/2009
Wyatt says....
it is perfectley legal to trap until feburary 15 so this trapper was doing nothing wrong the dog owner should of had his dog more controlled and been closer to it...if he wants to ban these traps on public land then they should also ban dogs on public land being it his fault as well
3/13/2009
Outdoorsman3 says....
Is this paper having problems finacially? What a blame excuse to open up a can worms that has been dead so long. Your Editor should be put on leave for letting a Morbid photo of a dead dog appear on the front page. If this was to save your paper from Bankruptcy like the rest of them going down, Good Luck. I beleive most people wouldn't buy it anyway after this incident!
3/13/2009
bob says....
asking that trapping be made ilegal is no more greedy and ridiculous than asking that hunting dogs be banned. both are legitimate land uses. his dog was out of his control and on land not owned by him anymore than by the legal trapper. had the dog been hit by a car, would he ask that cars be made illegal? if the dog was chasing/hunting rabbits, why did it stick it`s head in a bucket likely baited with raccoon scent? anyone that allows a dog to run free accepts the risk of injury or death from a multitude of causes, like coyote attacks, automobiles, snake bites, falls and other injuries, drowning, dog fights and the list is endless. if the dog is a PET, keep it on a leash or at home. then ZERO risk. and the comment about the dogs "soul", pleae spare me. I`m sure the trapper was not trapping dogs, and just as sure dogs do not have souls. out of curiosity, was the policeman charged with trap theft or tampering with a legally set trap?
3/13/2009
Billy Y says....
Had this dog been run over by a car instead of caught in a trap we would never have heard of it. Perhaps hound hunting should be banned on public ground rather than trapping?
3/13/2009
ConibearsKill says....
The decision to run this photo was correct and important. Editors -- Thank you. There is a real danger to pets and hunting dogs from traps and people need to see it.
3/13/2009
says....
DID these make it to the frontpage because his a cop. if it would of been avg. person not sure anybody would have cared.
3/13/2009
Kim says....
Salina Journal, I am appalled at your lack of taste in using this photo. The story and additional photos were enough to report the sad and useless loss of a beloved pet, and the danger of trapping animals on public land!
3/13/2009
says....
the truth is painful,it will not help by buring your head in the sand,cograts on the hard hitting photo,trapping...what a great sport...ban it!
3/13/2009
K. Johnson says....
Publishing the picture of the hunting dog caught in the trap was totally unecessary. It was upsetting for me,let alone any small children that may have seen it and may be traumatized and having nightmares as a result. This is irresponsible journalism, and borders on something you'd find in the National Enquirer. Shame on you Salina Journal! Once again, you've opted for sensationalism in what should be a family newspaper. A few years back, you had a sickening picture of a dog on the cover that someone had thrown through a picture window plastered on your front page. You'd have thought you'd learned your lesson. If there's a newspaper award for the most distastful picture of the year, you'd win!
3/13/2009
Jen says....
im am so sorry for the loss of your dog but i do think that the journal should of put a link in the paper if they wanted to see the dog that is just cruel and unusual punishment the paper had done
3/13/2009
Nicole says....
..That was very hard to see. I'm at school and we were all looking at the article. It was very hard for us students to read it. I think they should of kept the picture off and just had the article. The picture was way to much..
3/13/2009
Trapper says....
Is this a waste of money, is he using force equipment to pay for his personal vindetta.Is he wearing a seatbelt in his picture.Who is giving this man a ticket for unlawfully messing with another mans trap.Did any one call a game warden? It is legal and just along with being an american tradition.Which came first the Beagle breed or the trap,just how was America won?
3/13/2009
CrazyLegs says....
I applaud SJ for printing this entire story AND pictures. For those who find the pictures Bella after her horrible struggle with death need to wake up and realize what goes on in the world. What if that would have been a curious child??? I hope that Mansfield can use his position of power to get laws changed. This was a trumatic situation for him - trying desperately to save his beloved dog and unable to do so. A bucket sitting in the woods would seem innocent enough to a child, too. Again, way to go SJ for stepping up and informing your readers.
3/13/2009
Sarah says....
People dont wanna see the FACTS, yeah the picture was a lot but that is what will get people motivated to do something about it.
3/13/2009
says....
I agree, the article was very direct with great information. HOWEVER, the photo of the poor dog was way too much. It's just the photo I'm upset about, not the story.
3/13/2009
Kelly Hogarty says says....
Carson I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful dog Bella, words just can't say enough about your horrible loss! I remember back when I was about 17 years old I witnessed seeing a dead dog that had been killed in a game trap while hunting on a public hunting ground near Bennington. The dog was thrown into a heap of brush, maybe in the attempt of trying to conceal the evidence. I remember thinking back then the exact same thought, if it is public hunting area why in the world would trapping be allowed on it? I'm not saying that I want trapping outlawed either. I absolutely agree with Carson that in a public area it is absolutely not the place for a concealed weapon that causes death. The trap being concealed is the absolute problem!
3/13/2009
Oeta did not do it says....
Though a terrible loss of a friend this should by no means stop ar detur legal trapping.Had this officer paid attention as so many of us do he might of been better off.I certainly hope tax payers money has not been used in this personal case.Is the officer wearing a seat belt is this what we want to potray to our children?. No real trapper abandons something he trapps that is why they call it trapping.Separate the land,focus on youre animal and stop wasting tax payers money to work these cases which dont break the law.
3/13/2009
Sue says....
What were you thinking Salina Journal? A link to the internet would have been better. The picture was huge and in color and on the front page. How about a picture of aborted fetuses to protest abortion.
3/13/2009
Kelly R says....
Really poor taste SJ!! The SJ is, pretty close to being, the first thing I set my sight on every morning. If I feel this bad, after today's paper, I don't think I want the journal to be part of my 'mourning' routine. The picture of United Way would have been much more appropriate for the front page...nice shot, Tom :)
3/13/2009
Disgusted says....
Are you kidding me?? I can not even believe that anyone thought it a good idea to put a picture of a dead dog on the front page of the paper. I understand the point of the story but this was too much. Did you not think of the children that are going to see this paper?
3/13/2009
Dog Lover says....
Outrageous!! Poor little Bella....God Bless her sweet soul!! God Bless you, Mr. Mansfield...I know you're heartbroken over the loss of a special family member.
3/13/2009
Trapper says....
Trapper Is it legal to pull another mans trap while hunting on goverment ground?Though it is hard to loose a faithfull companion it makes me worry this officer was using the forces valuable equipment to take these pictures are we also funding personal vindettas. I believe hunting and trapping land should be separated but since it is not any one whom values his hunting companion should take the proper precautions to ensure their safety. Is this officer wearing a seatbelt while photographing Bella and himself. Trapping an american tradition older than the beed of beagle!!
3/13/2009
PETA did it says....
I think the Journal used poor judgement. They could have placed the picture on the internet with a link in the paper and a disclaimer. The public hunting land needs to be separated with specific sites that need trapping for animal control. This will keep the liberal wackos from setting a trap on walk-in hunting, as they have done in the past. These "animal lovers" prefer to injure your hunting dog or child verses legal wild animal selection. Maybe PETA set this trap?
3/13/2009
Poor decisions says....
What was the basis of a decision to run the bulk of the Madoff story later in the paper and a picture of a dead dog as the front page lead....Peoples lives financially destroyed and 2 suicides attached to this story and the Journal leads with a dead dog.....
3/13/2009
Torque says....
WOW welcome to the real world! Ah too bad you ignorant people can't see past the silver spoons and nice pretty things. THIS is reality and what happened to this dog is wrong. I'm not even a dog lover but can see the point in this story. It's about time the Journal grew a set and printed something of this magnitude. This is an EXCELLENT real world article with a very direct point. Tethered to the owner?? Evidently someone has never been hunting. Good job SJ, way to wake up these putzos... To Mansfield, sorry about your loss but I hope this gets the ball rolling on laws against this kind of trapping.
3/13/2009
dog lover says....
What if it was a small child or even me. I can understand it was for hunting, but to me, it seems very irresponsible to have it just "setting" on public property. I'm an animal lover and I think the pic is extremely graphic. The way the journal is, I'm surprised they did it.
3/13/2009
Rick says....
If Mansfield wasn't a police officer this case would have not gotten any notice. The Journal and Wildlife and Parks would have said too bad, too sad. The gory picture the Journal ran is just another way to stir up the pot and entice people to buy a copy of this dinosaur of a paper.
3/13/2009
Jess in NW says....
I agree, the picture of the poor dog was WAY too much! The two other pics of him & his dog would have been sufficient to make the story sympathetic. But, I do agree that trapping shouldn't be allowed on goverment property. Why should individuals be able to profit off the furs that they trap on Government land? And aren't these traps potentially a risk to curious children as well when they are at the lake with their parents?
3/13/2009
Takecareofyourpetnexttime says....
This just proves that there are hazards no matter where you go. Yes, it's nice to let your dogs run loose, but as you can see, it can also be dangerous if not deadly. Had the beloved dog been tethered to it's owner, perhaps this would not have happened?
3/13/2009
says....
What a horrible, morbid decision to put that photo up. I realize they want to show people the seriousness of this issue, but I could have gotten the message without the inappropriate, disturbing photo. I teared up, and will probably be sad the rest of the morning. I hope the Salina Journal can't sleep tonight, knowing they saddened so many people today because of a photo they printed just to stir things up and gain attention.
3/13/2009
gonetoofar says....
Yes, it is always sad to loose a pet. I think it was in very poor taste to have that picture posted. I'll bet if it was MY dog, there wouldn't have been a whimper about it, let alone a picture on the front page! Maybe Mr. Mansfield can explain to my young children why there is such a disturbing picture of his dog on the front page of the paper.
3/13/2009
says....
I was shocked to open up the paper this morning to find such a disturbing photo of a poor dead dog in a trap. I think it was in very bad taste to put such a photo on the front page of the paper. The story was needed to make people aware, but was the picture neccessary. I think there could have been a better way to get the message to the public. I am just thankful that my daughter didn't see it.
3/13/2009
Craigshadow says....
That was a HORRIBLE picture to wake up to... I am suprised you would post it.. please remove it!
3/13/2009
Just Me says....
Kids look at this newspaper. What kind of people print a dead dog locked in a trap? I sympathize for the hunter, but I could have done without the visual.
3/13/2009
Aunt Julie says....
Oh Sweet Bella!! How awful!!! This was the sweetest dog ever. I hope you get things changed for the sake of other dogs. It is so devistating to loose a beloved pet and my heart goes out to you.
3/13/2009
Eric says....
So, now they're gonna try to make Kanopolis' new slogan, Come on Vacation, leave on Probation too? How about smoking, do they allow that at the lake? That will be the next case for the Salina Cigarette Detectives. Just stay home, please.
3/13/2009
Salina.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here. Read our full online terms of service policy.
Reader says....
Are you sure it was back in the paper? I haven't seen any updates.
10/9/2009
says says....
Why is this back in the paper? Why don't you put the finds or not finds of the SPD officer that was in the fight at The Inferno, or about the deputy that hit the EMS at Broadway and Crawford? Some of us would like to see how it ends or is it just going to disappear like everything else that involves law enforcement.
10/9/2009
Cyn L says....
Some of your people are so rude. The AVERAGE Joe has no idea how to open one of these traps. I just went though this with my Pit/bulldog mix and the only reason he survive 10 minutes in this trap was the fact my 11 year old son, help it open just enough that the dog could breath, even though he went unconscious within a minute. A dog CAN survive this trap IF you can get the jaws open. Only thing is it's not common knowledge how to. My son was just walking his dog and this was 15 feet from the side. Newt went to get a drink in 6" of water in the ditch and WHAM. Conibear on his head. Vet trip, overnight stay for shock, swelling, cuts from flailing around and $449. later but ATLEAST my dog is alive. Have a heart for this man and his dog. THESE traps should NOT be on public land !!
10/7/2009
Tawny says....
TO J1986:So we are suppossed to be some kind of great outdoorsmen huh.Your ignorance is appalling.Do society a favor and forget the blaze orange next time your in the midst of hunters...how about green with a target on it
7/29/2009
J1986 says....
I can sort of feel for this guy, losing his pet in such a way. However, if this man is any kind of skilled outdoors man, common sense should have kicked in that he was on public land, especially wetlands, where trappers and these style traps are frequented. As far as "what if that was your kid" crap, these traps are placed where children and domestic animals typically wouldn't be UNSUPERVISED. I see it all too often with children and dogs, it's everyone else's fault that you can't keep track of your child/animal. And this guy should think twice before criticizing trappers and their methods, how many dogs and PEOPLE have been KILLED because hunters get "scope fever" and just fire at anything possible? I'm forced to go out of my way and wear bright orange during hunting season because i'm too afraid of getting struck by a bullet shot by some idiot hunter, as long as my dog stays within sight, I know I don't need to worry about my dog caught in a trap. Blaming trappers for using public land that is also used by hunters is not a road this man wants to travel. I guarantee there are 5 times the amount of uneducated and reckless hunters out there than trappers.
7/28/2009
feadupwithignorance says....
Well, I feel sorry for the dog and all. I am an animal lover my self. And I do not hunt or trap, never have never will. Now here comes the BUT. Like it or not, trappers play an important role in keeping the population of certain animals under control. Without trappers and hunters alike, the undesirable animals would experience a population growth. What happens when that occurs? Same as when human population grows, they spread out to new locations. Rinse and repeat over and over. Next thing you know, it's somebodies dog in there backyard or somebodies kid or even you, becoming food for an animal that ended up in town hunting for food because there are too many of the populating the lands outside of town. We already have this problem with the coons and possums in Salina. Ban trapping any where and the next thing you know, the whole lot of you are whining and crying because your state taxes increased because the state had to hire people too thin the overpopulated coyotes, bobcats, etc etc. Because there was a small chance an idiot might lose his dog to a trap. As too the 'that could have been your kid' stuff. Leave it be, trapping on public lands has been legal for ages. How many stories have been out there about some kid getting hurt or killed in a trap on public lands have there been? Why is it there have been damn few after all these years? Maybe it's because the trappers set traps in areas that are way out of the way of John Q Public. The fact that Mansfild even thought that the trap had to be illegal just shows that he knows virtually nothing about hunting and trapping laws in Kansas. Be informed before being speaking out on things like this. If you don't understand something, learn about it. Nature has a way of dealing with over populated areas, it's called spreading out, moving, free ranging. We humans have done to the point of over kill, thus making safe areas for our wildlife to do it, even smaller and smaller to the point of the cities are now fair game for them too move into. Get a clue people.
3/26/2009
justactrygal says....
and why didn't he put his dog out of his misery....by the looks of the photo his wind pipe had to be crush Mansfield only prolonged his agonizing death ..would that of been the humane thing to do ..I have had cats get run over by cars and you know when there's no chance of survival ..put you can't let them suffer
3/25/2009
tired of the animal b.s. says....
leash laws don't apply on public lands?
3/24/2009
EJW says....
A hacksaw??? Why? It will take at least 6 minutes to cut through just one spring, let alone both. My guess is that this hunter had everything on his possession to remove his dog from that trap in under a minute and didn't use those resources to accomplish that. A boot lace, shoe string, leash, draw string, cord, piece of leather all can be used to open up those springs very quickly. Hunters and their gun dogs are truly unique entities. They work together as a team. Just as a hunter prepares for the hunt with gadgetries and visions of success, they must also prepare themselves for many adverse events which may arise. This particular situations is sad, but it is also a no fault situation. If we were to cast blame on a 'conibear' style trap being upon lands where public activity is allowed, then would it be reasonable to argue a all encompassing refuge system where no human activity is allowed? That way no bad (nor good) situations would ever happen to anyone. The trap is not the issue here, but awareness is the issue. A hunter could easily stumble, fall, gun discharges, kills hunting dog and it becomes the gun’s fault, for it would be reasonable to assume that without the gun the tragic event would not have occurred in the first place. Here again, is it a mechanical devise that causes our angst? Or lack of situational awareness of our surroundings? I would argue the latter, hindsight reaffirming the value of foresight and preparation. The value of our hunting, fishing, trapping and outdoor experiences are always threatened by a few events that a minority can capitalize upon in order to create laws that dilute or do away with all the man created ‘evils’ of the world. To proclaim this event as a trapping issue is wrong, because it is equally a hunting issue as well as a public activity issue and I can promise there are groups already working on this very topic to remove trapping, hunting and human outdoor activity on all lands. Be careful what you wish for in the aftermath of a conibear trap, a hunting dog and a hunter all coming together afield for this is perfect ammunition for it all being done away with.
3/24/2009
Eric says....
In about 30 or 45 seconds Mr. Mansfield could have had Bella out of that trap, instead of waiting 6 minutes for her to died. A boot strap, leash, cord, draw string, belt, all could have opened the springs of that trap quickly and easily.
3/24/2009
says..... says....
This is animal worship you people are acting like animals are gods wake up!
3/24/2009
No Traps On Public Land says....
Trap on your own land, not on public land where persons hike. What if I hiked through there with my child and they had stepped into that trap? That's just not a wise place to have these traps.
3/24/2009
GS says....
A guy goes to a public area to hunt (shoot with a gun other animals) but doesn't want any trapping on public lands? And many people jump on board to ban trapping to protect our children? Isn't shooting on public land more hazardous to other users?
3/23/2009
says....
BTW..if that photo was a goldfish in a bowl without water would anyone care ...nottt....GET OVER IT
3/22/2009
says....
Its a fricking dog get over it people...take some of that energy you got going over this dog and put it towards a better cause you want to help save a dogs life.......oh my gosh .....save a child ...theres a lot at home a lone without anyone to look out for them ...can't you find a better CAUSEEEEE...you people are sick its a fircken dog....better bad when an animals death takes over 100's of kids suffering everyday ...but you will fight for a dog...and not a human...humans suffer everyday and no one goes out of their way to take a stand...its a dog get over it.
3/22/2009
Coyote MaMa says....
Please visit the Eastern Coyote Institute site to see what is really happening to coyotes in the wild. Also, take a look at www.coyoterescue.org
3/21/2009
Coyote MaMa says....
To avid hunter. I don't know of anyone who gets in their car and deliberatly goes out to run animals and people over to cause them pain and suffering. Those are called accidents! Trapping is a conscious decision to cause pain and suffering to animals in traps. It isn't even a lucrative endeavor anymore. Most of the furs aren't worth much. This is just a pastime that a small number of people in our society enjoy. See the C.A.S.H newsletter that just came out.
3/21/2009
says....
"Avid hunter from canada" Would you like me to send some pictures of dogs , deer ,racoons etc and oh yes people killed on the roads by cars travelling a way too fast.Maybe then you would want to outlaw vehicls but oh darn i forgot you have a car and travelling at 20 mph would be incovenient to you but you don't hunt or trap so lets stop that.Have you caught on to how ridiculous your opinion is ?
3/20/2009
Coyote MaMa says....
It is time to stop the abuse of all animals with these killer traps. I have a photo of a coyote walking around with one of these conibear traps around it's head and neck. I dislike trappers, intensely! These are not nice guys. You should see the pictures they post on their forums and how they laugh at the suffering they cause.
3/20/2009
Trapperjohn says....
Hundreds if not thousands of dogs are attacked, killed and some eaten every year by coyotes. Where is that in the papers! Maybe what needs to be done to eliminate the conflict is set aside several weeks of the trapping season and close those areas to all other traffic except trappers! Oh that would probly create to much of of a uproar of all those self centered morons that think the whole world has to revolve around them!
3/20/2009
... SHOCKED ... says....
That picture, SIMPLY, was to incite rage & passion in the reader.. Propaganda at it's most basic form.. Lets show a gutted deer & outlaw whitetail hunting.. Lets show a compound fractured arm & prevent skateboarding.. Or how about gruesome footage of a mangled body from a fatality accident & prevent driving.. All of which are legal lawful activities with sometime less than desirable results.. The author, no the editor, should be ashamed at their lack of journalistic ethics & misuse of power in reporting such blatantly biased news footage to sway the masses..
3/19/2009
Scott D says....
Feel sorry that he lost his dog but the blame should be placed on him not the trapper. He let his dog run loose to hunt and kill rabbits. he talks about public land, that is the point it is public land there for everyone to use. The hiker, the birdwatcher, the hunter, trapper, couple out for a walk. To try and limit the use of public land just because you dont agree with how others are enjoying it is wrong. i am sure that in a few week during the Easter holiday there would be many people who would like to call on this mans right to let his dog kill the Easter bunny. We all have a right to use public land, no law was broken. what is with all these people who want to ban or stop things they dont enjoy.
3/19/2009
John says....
My B.S. Meter is way in the red !!!! Carson Mansfield is a big man who could have easily removed the trap from his dog. Conibear traps are not rocket science nor are they impossible to operate. I weigh 150 pounds and have arthritis and bad joints and I can still operate these traps with no problem. Under an adrenaline situation, I believe Mr. Mansfield could have saved his dog with no problem. The bottom line is that I have a hard time believing he was actually there with the dog. Every year in Kansas,..thousands of hunters converge to partake in the hunting tradition and every year someone get shot and killed.....does this mean we outlaw hunting?? What this boils down to is placing an animal as priority over a human.
3/19/2009
D. Kolehouse says....
He stated it righ. He was on public land. Land for everyone to use not just him. A very unfortunate accident. There is no reason to change the law. ANd if they do maybe they should ban hunting as more people are sure to die from getting shot then getting caught in a trap. He thinks is only ok to shoot animals and not trap them. Either way the animal is being harvested. I hope he was give a ticket for stealing a legaly placed trap.
3/19/2009
TrapperDan says....
This was an unfortunate accident but an ACCIDENT is what it was. Trappers provide a service to all. Overpopulation leads to greater instance of disease. There have been documented cases of coyote attacks on children in overpopulated areas. Public land is just that....Public! I feel for the man who lost his dog but that is a chance we take everytime we turn our hunting dogs out. If you live in a state where connibear traps are a legal device then you should educate your children about them and you should be aware that if you choose to hunt your dog on PUBLIC land that this is a risk, even though a small one, that you take. Trappers have as much right to public land as do hunters, hikers or anyone else for that matter.
3/19/2009
RetCop says....
First the picture was uncalled for totally. Second the SJ should have to publicly appologize for printing it on the front page. Third if this was Mr. Average Joe then the SJ would have never printed the story. As far as trapping, it has been around for more than a century and is a way of life for some people, and now its getting all this negitive attention. So what about when the hunter "accidently" shot our farm dog, or a cow. So now we should outlaw hunting? Sorry about the dog it was a tragic accident. So learn from it as a pet owner and be more aware next time.
3/18/2009
Charles P says....
I hope the newspaper prints a story about those poor rabbits that his dog was going to kill...maybe around easter. Sad to see the dog die though, he looks like he would ve been a great dog and its a sad waste of life - but when you send an animal out to kill and it gets killed...tough.
3/18/2009
avid reader says....
The picture was disturbing but without seeing it I am not sure people would understand. It could happen to any of our pets. It does not matter who it happened to, it just should have not happened. What if a you child wondered into something like this........then what?
3/18/2009
Commonsense says....
Did i miss something, didn't KDWP say the trap was set following all the rules. If so than it did have the owners name on it. Mansfield said "Far more hunters and hikers use that area than trappers, and hunters use dogs,"thats such a me first others second statement! Is he saying that it's ok for hunters with guns and hikers to use the same area at the same time, I hope not! It's too bad that his hunting dog died but when u let them go every hunter knows that it might be the last time they see them alive, it's a simple fact when using dogs to hunt. There is a big difference between a hunting dog and a pet.It sounds like this story should fall under heading "Stuff Happens". Manson sounds as if he thinks that hunting is some how better than trapping, as if it was "ok" to let his dog run out of his sight and out of his control, then blame someone else for what happened. I can see how it would be upsetting but in the end thats the risk u take when letting animals run free. Those of you who consider your pet a family member i would recommend that you never let them off the leash in a wild area. If you let a young child run off in a wild area you should get mental help quickly or let someone who really wants to be a parent take over the job. I know alot of farmers and ranchers are having problems with beaver dams blocking creeks on thier land causing damage to it costing them thousands of dollars.I can even recall KDOT busting beaver dams in the same spot along old highway 40 year after year spending tax payer money that one trapper could have fixed years ago for free. Those of you who want trapping stopped, are u going to pay for the damage caused by letting them go uncontrolled? Some how i think when its your turn to wip out your checkbooks your knee jerk reaction will fade away. I'm going to be working on a job this week that out of the total cost about $250 is going to romove a logjam and washouts caused by a beaver. Thats only in a qaurter mile stretch of creek. Last year we did about $350. in beaver related repairs for the same farmer/rancher just down the road from where we are working this year. It would seem that by not trapping this beaver it's doing more harm than good for this man on these small peaces of land. Total the costs for the whole state of Kansas and i would bet it's a very large number. That picture on the front page of SJ was not the most tastefull of choices but i bet it sold papers. As for Mansfield hoping to remove trapping from public grounds, i hope he's not holding his breath waiting for it. My guess is that common sense will win over knee jerk amotion this time.
3/18/2009
Brenna says....
Public hunting grounds should be safe. Do whatever the hell you want on your own private land. Nuff said.
3/18/2009
dontseetheneed says....
You notice the trend here? The journal has posted more of the statements about this article that are for the abolition of trapping on public land than they have for the ones against it. I am not a trapper and don't really care for the method of hunting, but fair is fair. You cannot abolish one form of hunting on public hunting land without abolishing all.
3/17/2009
get real says....
Sorry about the loss Carson but there are risks involved with hunting. The Journal is irresponsible as usual. Who prints a picture of a dead dog on the front page of the paper so that anyone sees it , child or adult. The people that have problems with trapping and hunting have no idea that with all of the displacement of animals so that they can have a house to live in and stores to shop in and schools to educate their children in that there would be a very large infestation of critters without hunting and trapping. Educate yourself about the eco-system and how it works. PETA only want to impose their will never mind what is best.
3/17/2009
Fellow Officer says....
I like how you review comments and decide which ones to post. I noticed you did not post my previous comments on 3/14/09 about the 40-min resonse time for officers required by the SPD, and the fact that this big shot was a 2-hour walk from his vehicle when this incident occured, let alone the drive back to Salina. SJ is so good at hiding the truth...
3/17/2009
unknowed says....
Who cares if people smoke at the lake. It is a open free area. My dad smoke for almost all his life. He quite about 5 years ago im proud of him for that. But it i sad story the dog got killed, i have two begales of mine own, and they are the sweetist dogs i have had. Traping on public land should be outlawed.
3/17/2009
Angie says....
I think this story needed to be told. While the picture is tough to see, it gets how point across of what this trap did. I live in town and many times take my children out walking on public land. Obviously, this trapper didn't follow the law by having his trap tagged with his name. I question whether it is safe to take my small daughter out who many times runs ahead exploring. While this picture of this dog is tragic, what would happen if this was a small curious child and this child bleed to death? Laws need to be changed regarding Public Land and hunters need to realize many people use those lands not only for hunting but to teach our little ones about wildlife. We hunt too but we are responsible. Although we do not trap, our friends that do said this has happened before. It's time for the public to become aware and request changes.
3/17/2009
Debra says....
The Salina Journal mentioned that conibear traps are legal, but failed to mention that this particular trap was illegal. The reason....the trapper that set it did not follow regulations. All traps must be tagged with the user's name and address.They must be tended and inspected at least once every day.
3/16/2009
Jenna says....
I myself have a 3 year old female beagle. I was shocked to see the picture of Bella. I think just the article would have been appropriate, the picture was not a necessity, and it could have been printed on another page. I do disagree with having traps on public land...makes you think twice about going out to Kanopolis. We go there several times throughout the summer, but now I'll always wonder if my beagle will be safe.
3/16/2009
Soon to be ex-Salina Journal subscriber says....
When I was in college receiving a journalism degree, we learned on day one what you don't put in the paper, let alone the front page. This is a prime example of that. Why didn't anyone stop this picture from being printed? Does nobody in your office know what poor taste is? What makes it even worse is that instead of apologizing and admitting it was wrong, you've put together this discussion and tried to pass yourself off as "edgy" or that you are "trying to make a statement." Well congratulations. In that statement, you also took away from the whole point of the story and put your arrogance ahead of reporting. Thank you for reminding me why I never applied for a job at this joke of a paper.
3/16/2009
says....
First of all, I am surprised at some of the heartless comments of some posters on this issue. I am an avid animal lover, and am still appalled at the fact that they posted this picture on the front page of the SJ. Although I do understand the purpose of the story, why the horrific pictures. It made me cry and my heart sick when I seen the picture. I was even more sickened once I read the story. I think these traps should be illegal on public grounds, and I hope this law passes. It is for the safety of not only animals, but also small children too.
3/16/2009
Get Smart says....
I love how the PETA types are all appauled by this, but fail to see that the dog and its owner were out to KILL another one of natures creatures. Consider the trap a defender of the defensless/the hunted. Seriously folks, would anyone on here be outraged that Carson Manfield and Dog killed rabbits?
3/16/2009
says....
I agree prolifer. Salina Journal needs to put that picture the guy on Ohio street holds up on their front page.
3/15/2009
says....
I was upset that Bella had to die that horrible way. I was glad it was brought to my attention to what is going on with the trappings on public land. I hope will bring about a law to prhibit this practice. My heart goes out to Mr. Mansfield and his family. Donna
3/15/2009
Marie says....
PETA has never worked with anyone to design a trap. PETA does not even condone hunting. Nature's predators can control the raccoon and other varmint populations; that is if somebody isn't out there shooting and trapping the predators. In response to a trapper's post: I've lived in rural Kansas for 60 years and have yet to run into a pack of raccoons! Let's recognize trapping for what it is: A cruel and bloody hobby. I hope this officer continues to call attention to this heartless sport. So, trapping is legal? Well,protesting trapping is legal too.
3/15/2009
farmer says....
the picture needed to be shown to make people aware of this situation. the conibear traps should not be allowed on public land.
3/15/2009
Reed says....
No respectful trapper ever wants to catch an untargeted species. And, they likely have torn feelings about catching the targeted species. I personally prefer the trapper who has a conscience. I like to think I am one of those. Most do and try very hard not to catch untargeted animals. I would suggest that this is a rather isolated and unfortunate incident. If you are really concerned with preventing unnecessary loss of animal life, just decrease the speed limit to say...30 mph. Just for entertainment, the next time you go on vacation, make a roadkill list of numbers and species.It will amaze you, maybe even shock you. We know the speed limit will not decrease because we want to save lives as long as it does not inconvenience us. It's easy to have an opinion on something until it is your ox getting gored. And, there are rarely easy answers and solutions to situations. This is one of those situations. I always wanted a beagle to hunt rabbits with and hope to some day have one. I doubt a rabbit will feel too bad though if my dog gets caught in a trap, hit by a car, falls through the ice etc. It's all about your perspective.
3/15/2009
Ohio transplant says....
I agree that the picture should have been on the front page. Unless more people become aware of this type of trap, the public will remain ignorant about the danger of the use of conibear traps on public land and nothing will be done to attempt to prevent their use. I have had experience with this type of trap and found them difficult to set and almost impossible to open once sprung. They would certainly break a child's arm as well as an adult's hand. What if this had been a child out exploring? How long would it take to find the child and remove the trap?
3/15/2009
Liz says....
I think this is horrible !! I also think it is horrible !!! That I did not get the choice of decideing if I wanted my 5 and 7 yr old to see this picture . I understand printing the story , but why on the front page ?? I think as a parent I should have the choice to show my kids pictures of dead dogs or not . I do not and will not subscribe to the paper . We we simply going to Burger King to eat when we past the paper machine . Of cousre my 7 yr old animal lover sees this . Being a kid she starts asking questions . So now it is up to me to explain to both my kids cause she has pointed it out to her brother . I think a better choice could have been made . Simply print it inside with a warning . Or the picture could of been online only . I have 3 cats and a dog myself and would have been upset too , but never would I have had the pictures posted where children could see .
3/15/2009
concerned says....
I do not think traps belong on public land. I have nothing against hunting. This is multi use land for everybody not a select few. What if that would have been someones child. There is a difference between right an wrong and traps of public land is wrong.
3/15/2009
says....
I will contact KDWP and tell them they should ban bird hunting on public land because I like to go for a walk and watch the birds. Or maybe because their dogs scare my deer when I am in my tree stand. What crap. Did someone not read and understand the regulations? A police officer not reading the regulations?? Trapping season is still open,there is a chance there are traps where he ran his dog,conibears are legal to use and trapping is legal on public land.If it wasn't for all of the out of staters buying up private land maybe some people wouldn't be forced to trap on public land.I am sick of these PETA lovers who are one of the largest terrorist organizations in the USA griping about things they have no education about. I know KDWP that trap or did trap on public lands. I feel sorry for the gentlemens dog as well but being in law enforcement and not reading the regulations that trapping season is still open and there was that chance,well,why is it the trappers fault who was legal??
3/15/2009
anti says... says....
where are the rights of the aborted fetus why aren't you animal rights activist screaming for their rights to live lets put an aborted fetus on the front page, ignorance abounds in salina
3/15/2009
Blastard says....
Why is this different than any dog ran over on the street?
3/15/2009
says....
If you will put that graphic picture of a dog on the front page of your newspaper to call attention to how an innocent dog was killed, why won't you put a picture of an aborted baby in the paper to show how an unborn baby is mangled and killed. An unborn baby feels pain ,too. But no, it isn't a baby, it's a choice. A dog has more rights than an unborn baby. A prolifer.
3/15/2009
SlimJim says....
I do not subscribe to the SJ and upon walking into a local gas station. Noticed the dead dog picture on the front of the paper sitting in the newspaper rack right by the entrance of the gas station. Being a trapper myself. I couldn't resist buying one of these papers to read the story (shoulda just got on line and saved 50 cents) But for you people that can't figure out why they would put the dead dog picture on the cover. The reason is simply to sell papers. It worked on me. Poorly reported story and was one sided. I am sorry the dog had to die. But how many people actually use this public land in the middle of feb.? One person? Has this happened much before? maybe once in 10 years? So we outlaw and ban conibears on public land because one person in ten years went hunting in feb. when most other upland seasons are closed. One person? OH! I forgot. He's a cop. If he would of waited one more week. Trapping season would have been closed. But wait. The seasons laws should revolve around one person. I noticed the picture (evidence) had been altered also. The paper reported that this officer using his keen senses quickly snapped evidence photo's of the dead dog. Well tell me. Why is the stake pulled up and carefully setting in the picture? why is the dog laying on the perfect side to show it's open mouth? Where is the bucket the trap was set in? I'm not doubting the accident happening? But if this ultra keen officer is getting (evidence). Shouldn't he have done it properly? No. The officer set the picture up to look shocking. Then the SJ took it from there. Good Job Salina Journal. Keep it up and maybe I'll buy a second paper sometime this year.
3/14/2009
Country Hillbilly says....
Were signs posted on this public hunting land that said watch out for traps? If there was then I would not have let my beagle run lose. If there were no signs saying watch out for traps then the State of Kansas better get busy and put some out. Public land and public hunting land is to be enjoyed all year round by all and not just one set of hunters that use traps. Someone will take this tip. Why not have a public dog park that allows dogs to run and hunt without the worry of traps. Even dogs should be allowed some fun without being put in danger.
3/14/2009
AnimalAvenger says....
Bella's death was tragic, and yes, the public does need to see her picture to understand what a horrible death she suffered. But her death was no less horrible than that of any rabbit or so-called "game" animal for whom the trap was meant. ALL animals suffer equally, and it's just as wrong to harm one as another. The hunter fails to see that he is just as much at fault as the trapper: both are guilty of killing innocent animals whose lives deserve respect and protection. Shame on them both! The lesson to be learned is to stop killing for recreation.
3/14/2009
LB says....
I knew you would get a lot of criticism for running the picture. I am GLAD you ran it. It got a lot of attention. I live in Logan County and will try to go to the scheduled meeting in April. Once my precious cat was caught in a trap for 2 days. He nearly lost his foot. Thank goodness some boys found him and threw away the trap!!!
3/14/2009
My opinion says....
That photo was unnecessary. You wouldn't run something like that every day of the week, so there is no need to run it even once. Of course, most papers don't have something as ignorant as the 333 line.
3/14/2009
Thanksjournal says....
This story has noting to do with the fac that this person works in law inforcement. It has to do with the fact that someone lost there pet in a horrible way. I dont beleive that this trap should have been set on public land. I agree that the law should be changed. what happens when it is a person or someone elses pet. This dog was just enjoying time with its owner and did nothing wrong. I believe that putting the picture on the front page brought attention to the story that was needed. I had to look at the picture twice before I realized the dog was actually dead before I read the story. As far as a small child crying... I would say a adult showed them the picture.. There are obituaries in the paper every day and I bet the children dont sit down and read them.. As a comunity we all need to know what is going on. Lets get this law changed before it happens to someone else.
3/14/2009
notapetowner says....
If this were my dog, no one would care. I do not see a problem with posting the picture in the paper. In the whole scheme of things, this incident has probably been over blown.
3/14/2009
Animallover says....
After my husband saw the article, he told me I wouldn't want to see it. I glanced at it & it made me sick, although I am glad that it was in the paper. People need to see how horrible these traps are! How can they be legal?? The poor dog suffered for several minutes before dying. Don't all of you trappers realize that wild animals have feelings too? Please think about it before you set your next trap!
3/14/2009
ConibearsKill says....
responding to this comment: "Unless it is an illegal trap a conibear trap will not break your hand" ....................... Really? A 330, designed to break the back of an 80 pound beaver won't break you hand? Pretty sure a 220 could too depending on how it hit and how small your hand is.
3/14/2009
Brenda says....
My condolences to Deputy Police Chief Carson Mansfield. Thank You for Educating myself and the public to be aware that traps might be placed on public land. Who would have thought that? Not I. I hope that Hunters who use traps will be required to post notices of "This property is being used for Hunting Purposes and to Proceed with caution Danger to Humans and Domestic Animals." I am not against Hunters and not for them either. Perhaps there was alot of researching done to perfect the trap. And it worked perfectly like it should only on the wrong type of animal. I believe that an emergency release mechanism should be incorporated into the design. Whereas a person could dislodge their pet,self or child without the need of dragging a trap along with them. The Hunter who did not tag his trap broke the law and should not be able to recover it with any other animal. In my opinion that was not a hunting accident. It was murder. Premeditated.
3/14/2009
ConibearsKill says....
Just a few responses to some of the comments that have been made................ 1. Coyotes are NOT trapped using Conibears. ....................2. Dogs on leash have been killed in Conibears in other states where they were set alongside trails. ........................3. No matter what the owner may or may not do, no dog deserves to die in a trap.....................4. Conibears are pretty much impossible to open without a special tool sold by trapping supply companies. I imagine it is even more difficult if your dog is in the process of dying in one.
3/14/2009
says....
People don't be so dumb!!If you read the story you know that trap was not legal because it didn't have the persons name on it. Just because he is a cop doesn't mean he is using that to get all of this in the paper, it could be on his free time. I would be devistated if this happened to my dog, so I fully agree with him trying to get this to be illegal.I don't think the SJ should have put that picture on the front pf the paper because little kids DO see the paper too, but it is done so everybody just needs to get over it. I am so sorry for your lose. Trapping should be illegal on public land, people do learn to hunt at a young age and what if it has been a child.
3/14/2009
Penes' Momma says....
I will sya this to all the people who are saying "it's just a dog"!!! Our beagle is our little girl. She is a big part of our family. She is one of our kids. Now to the ones who can't/won't believe that, go back to your childhood and remember how bad you wanted a pet. Remember your folks saying "No"!! Hmmm! I wonder why! This photo is wrong. SJ should have used one of the others for the paper. This one was used for only one thing. To help get a point acrossed to the BIG SHOTS in Topeka. Not to mention Officer Mansfield. Anyways, being a member of our beagles family, this photo of 20 mth old Bella, will forever stay in my heart. But come on SJ, remind yourself that kids read your paper. WOW that would be some report, I would hate to be the teacher who recieves that one....Thanks All....
3/14/2009
Mandys Mom - RIP says....
I recently lost a little beagle mix dog that looked much like Bella while she was in my arms. I cried the moment I saw Bellas picture on the front page and was immediately appaled. However, after reading the story I was angry. Not that the picture was posted but that such a horrible tragedy could happen on public land where we take our pets under the assumption that they will not be threatened by such traps. If it weren't for the horrific picture, I probably would not have read the story behind the picture. I understand that sometimes it takes the Journal "getting our attention" to bring such matters to light. My heart goes out to Bellas owner. Loosing a beloved pet is difficult and I am sure that reliving it in the paper was hard, but I am proud of him for being brave enough to bring this matter to our attention.
3/14/2009
HuntFishTrap says....
As a law enforcement officer, a trapper, hunter and dog owner, I must offer my sympathies to Mansfield for the loss of his dog. I don't know how I would feel if something similar happened to one of my dogs. I use bucket traps, which is what the conibear traps set in a bucket are commonly referred to, in some of my trapping, but take great care to make sure I do not set them on property where anyone will be hunting with dogs or near any homes where a dog may wander over to it. I also use foothold traps in a lot of my trapping, which do very little, if any damage to most animals caught in them. I am quite confident that I could release a dog unharmed from a foothold trap, as I even managed to get my own hand caught in one while adjusting it earlier this year. While I was not going to remove my hand without getting the springs down, I was not even left with a bruise on my hand. As to the risk of conibear traps on public land, I don't trap on public land, as I have been fortunate enough to get access on private land for my trapping. I believe the responsible choice of baits in the bucket traps, as well as remote locations, eliminate most of the risks to domestic animals. Using non-meat baits when targeting raccoons, which are the primary target of bucket traps, will greatly help avoiding non-target catches. I believe banning conibears and snares on public land will prevent sound management of furbearers on those lands. Snares, when set properly, serve mostly to restrain an animal, in much the same way that a choke chain is used on a dog by many dog owners. Conibears can be responsibly used, but care to bait and location are important. The more prominent inclusion of these factors in the Furharvester Education Course would help, as well as efforts to educate those trappers who have already taken the course. Even though most trappers are careful setting their traps, I encourage all hunters who use dogs and anyone who has their dogs in the country to learn how to open conibear traps. Many non-trappers do not understand how these traps work, and I didn't until this past year when I started using them. I am posting a web address here that links to a site showing a simple way to open these traps without the setting tool most trapper use with them. http://www.trapperman.com/trapperman/Basic_Sets_Conirope.html I encourage dog owners to learn about this because even though you might keep your dog on property that no one has permission to trap, there are unfortunately poachers who will illegally set traps where they do no have permission and in the process can put your dogs at risk. No ban on conibear traps will affect this. I hope that if some dog owners learn how to open these traps then some tragedies can be avoided. I understand many who read this will never understand hunting or trapping, and there is not much I, or anyone else, can do to change their minds. I accept that, but I hope that most others realize that hunters and trappers work hard to minimize any pain felt by the animals we hunt and trap. Our goal is to harvest an available resource, not to cause pain to any animal, wild or domestic.
3/14/2009
Another Hunter says....
By the way, let's all just worship the Dogs and forget about the sensless killing of human beings that do not even get as much attention as this. Come on, Mr. Police man, get past it a do your job!! I sympothize with you and have a Champion German Short Hair Pointer that cost us a fortune. While we love him, we do not worship him and would not turn the world upside down if something happened to him. He is just a dog!
3/14/2009
TOTALLY APPAULED says....
I agree with the many others that have posted here that this article was totally not necessary. People who get murdered don't even get that much attention. The only reason that the photo was posted was that he is a Law Informent Officer. As a Law Officer, he should of known there would be traps on public land. What I want to know from the journal is if my Champion German Short Hair Pointer gets killed because I am hunting on public land, are they going to give him the same attention? Or better yet, are thy going to Post a big photo like that the next time a Human being is murdered? My guess, Nope. The only reason they did it was because of his position.
3/14/2009
trapper says....
If he stood there and watch it die for six minutes, shouldn't he be charged with cruelty to animals, beings a cop should have shot it right away and put it out iof it's misery.
3/14/2009
bear339 says....
It is too bad the dog had to die this way, but the bottom line is, the trappers were not doing anything illegal and the dog belonged to an Officer of the Law. Had it been any other person's dog, it would NOT have made headlines.
3/14/2009
Chris M says....
The Salina Journal does a relatively good job at responsible journalism. Usually, this paper brings to the public attention, in a timely manner, objectively and representing all sides, subjects that have some affect on some portion of the varied population of this community. However, though I agree that the picture of Bella and that monster of a trap needed to be seen, it was terribly irresponsible to have not provided some type of warning that this disturnbing and graphic image was present. I was so upset by the image that I could not stop crying and my husband had to cover the picture so that I would even read the paper and I was very fearful about picking up and reading today's paper for fear of being forced to view another graphic image. I am sorry that Mr. Mansfield lost his beloved Bella. I do appreciate him and the Salina Journal for bringing this to the public attention. It is now the responsibility of the public to take action. The Salina Journal has a responsibility to, at the very least, give a person a choice of viewing or avoiding something so graphic. Please, provide a warning. Let us make the choice of to view or not to view graphic material. Let us have the control to protect those that are very sensitive in nature.
3/14/2009
Spanky says....
Perhaps some crooked lighting or a football in the same picture would have been good. Alot of people would have been happier with that. Had anyone smoked around the dog within the last couple of hours? If so, there will be no worry about Bella dying from second hand smoke.
3/14/2009
Ernest says....
I believe the pictures were necessary. The shock is relevant to this issue; however, I believe there is a bigger matter that needs to be argued. The use of traps is the greater problem. Why does the death of personal pet finally get the attention of the people? The trap did what it was designed to do, like a bullet, it does not discriminate. It has become so much of our culture, especially in this area, that hunting is fun--sport. Hunting is a necessary practice for some people to provide food, and the practice is traditionally as old as man is. I have no personal issues with the act of hunting; however, I question some of the methods and the mentalities of some hunters. Many hunters kill just because it is “the” season—eagerly waiting. This dog’s death was unnecessary, and so is the death of many other animals trapped in these types of device(s); animals hunted just for fun. This dog suffered like any other animal suffers. The traps make for a painful death. Get rid of the traps—indolence. I am an owner of a dog and I love him like a child. Indeed, this is heart wrenching.
3/14/2009
Crazy stupid barbaric trapper says....
Wow, I cant belive how uneducated the public is on trapping. Some say theses traps should be easier to take off. Doing so would make them less effective. If any animal was caught in it, it would just suffer more. Over the years these traps have been made better and better to try and dispatch the animal as quickly as possible. What this trapper was doing was perfectly legal, people hunting these public areas need to know that there is the possibility of there animal being in the trap and know what to do if it were to happen. Theres the people who say trappers are barbaric and need to be stopped. Would you rather see them die from disease and starvation. Trapping helps keep the numbers in check and keeps the population healthy. But if you want coons coming into town, raiding your garbages, spreading rabies then I guess a ban on trapping is the answer? As for the talk about kids getting caught. Who honestly belives that some kid is going to hike two hours into the woods, and stick his head into a bucket. I belive the public needs to be more informed about trapping. Heck, theres even criminals posting on here. Willy states that he has, and will take any trap he sees set. That is THEFT!!!! Oh well, everyone just have fun stealing, letting your children run off into the vast wilderness unsupervised, and playing with a plauge of raccoons that will soon be invading your area due to the ban of traps
3/14/2009
says....
i know of someone else this same thing happen to how terible for the person that owns the dog
3/13/2009
Cari says....
Thank you, Dr. Atherton, for your words!! Carson, my heart goes out to you for your loss!! I hope Bella's death is not in vain!! Read "Rainbow Bridge" sometime... You can find it on the internet.
3/13/2009
Tara says....
I was appalled and horrified to see the disturbing picture of the precious beagle pup on the front of the online edition. I realize that you are trying to bring attention to the issue of having traps on public land. However, did you have to bring this person, who loves dogs more than anything in this world, to tears? Luckily, my faithful companion Miles was here to kiss my tears away. At the very least, you could have provided a warning or disclaimer about the graphic nature of the picture and article.
3/13/2009
What! says....
Hope you werent driving with your dog in your lap or lose in the vehicle in the photo thats posted!. Even K9 cops keep their trained dogs locked in the back.
3/13/2009
OU812 says....
While the death of the dog is unfortunate and I'm sure the owner is feeling terrible. Being in law enforcement, he should know that there are lots of tragic things that happen to humans on a daily basis that do not get front page news like this. I would fully expect them to publish pics of a domestic violence victim or a kid that was killed in a car crash with a drunk. All these things cause emotions to run high, but come on paper let's not be biased, show us everything tragic in society, not just the ones you as a writer or publisher may have an issue with.
3/13/2009
johnd says....
The picture is absolutely necessary to bring the story home.
3/13/2009
KWU Student says....
Without the picture you wouldn't understand how Bella really suffered. It was printed to show you that a beloved pet was killed in a horrible way. It should make you uncomfortable because it's not right. It is news and the Salina Journal has every right to print it. If you don't like it go back to living in a box where you believe your world is perfect. Then when somethings happens to you don't complain to the rest of us because it might ruin our perfect worlds.
3/13/2009
Proud Informed Furharvester says....
Although Bella's death was tragic, it should be pointed out that the only illegal act here was the failure on the part of the trapper to properly, and legally, tag his trap with his name and contact information. Even if the trap had been tagged, the end result would have been the same. Conibears were designed to kill quickly, and yes, humanely. At their own expense, the trapping industry has just come through a two decades-long process by which all key players in the international fur industry, including the European Union and the East - major buyers of North American furs - developed Best Management Practices (BMP's) for all traps, including conibear traps BMP's were passed, creating guidelines in their design, use and regulation. Ironically, the very animal welfarist groups that many here cite were actively involved in this process and, as a result of their input, conibears were redesigned to be even more effective at their purpose - to kill the animal within a minimal number of minutes rather than restraining them indefintely. Mr. Mansfield states that Bella died in about six minutes. That's probably pretty accurate from what I've seen from the BMP testing results and from my own experiece with conibears. And the injuries, as stated by the vet, were likely due to the fact that the modern design of these traps, as demanded by animal welfare groups, results in two adjacent vertebrae being separated, effectively severing the spinal cord and rendering the animal brain dead. Not a pretty thought to mull, but the point is that traps are not just thrown together by a bunch of slack-jawed mouth breathing rednecks and slung carelessly about the countryside. People should be very careful to not falsely conclude that they, having no experience trapping or even knowing anything about trapping, are self-appointed authorities on the subject. Just as important is understanding why the trap was on that public hunting ground. The trapper was not a poacher, nor did he set that trap with the express intent of killing someone's dog. This was truly unfortunate and tragic, and my condolences go out to Carson. But, there is a back story to why trapping is allowed on those acres and it's important to understand that before you pass judgment. Until about ten years ago, furharvesting season for such species as bobcats and coons closed on the same day as upland game (pheasants, quail). Sportsmen like Mr. Mansfield complained to state wildlife officials that they weren't satisfied with the numbers of birds and bunnies on public hunting grounds and asked that something be done to remedy the problem. Officials determined that the problem was depredation losses due to raccoons, bobcats, coyotes and the like. As one gentleman for whom I trap during the regular season on private ground complained to me about a tract he manages for his own hunting once said, "With all the predators I have on my place, I can't keep the pheasants, quail or turkeys around. Those that aren't killed by nest raiding predators don't make it long after hatching." Officials enlisted the help of the state's trappiong association to ientify a workable solution that benefited everyone. I knew people who were part of the committee that developed their solution. The reason that there was very little trapping, and relatively no predator control on public hunting grounds was because we were concerned that the very thing that happened here would happen then. So, we requested that KDWP extend our trapping season for two weeks after all other seasons had closed to allow us a 14 or 15-day period in which we could blitz those public hunting grounds, trap them intensely, and remove as many raccons, skunks, possums, bobcats, coyotes, foxes and badgers as possible. Since that policy change, it has been my opinion that those properties have been producing much better because more animals - both game and nongame - are surviving to adulthood. Even after the policy change, we vehemently encouraged Kansas trappers as part of their trapper education and in just about every coni-bucket seminar I've ever seen to go as far back off the beaten path as possible and to set traps in areas where other people aren't likely to go so as to avoid catching hunting dogs and pets. Carson cites that he had a 2-hour walk back to his truck. Sounds to me like the trapper might have done what had been suggested, but things still turned out poorly. "Public hunting grounds" is a misnomer. Although this incident happened on federal ground, much of the WIHA and state ground was leased or purchased using sportsmens' dollars, not state tax money. Because of this, if you do not buy a hunting or fur harvesting license, I challenge whether or not you do actually have the right to use that property for walking and recreating like you claim. Sadly, this is a pay to play world and if you haven't been part of the source for funding, maybe you need to stay in the city park. As I stated earlier, the only thing illegal about this trap was the absence of a tag. Having a tag on it would have not changed the outcome, and even at that, having identified the trapper, Mr. Mansfield would have had no legal authority for recourse against the trapper. Both were using the ground for its intended purpose, and doing so legally. Bad things happen. That's life. In the same way that Mr. Mansfield possessed a hunting license purchased from the great state of Kansas, the trapper, hopefully, had a license of his own, also purchased from the state of Kansas. Both were legal. What really needs to be done, rather than outlawing one of our most effective means by which to control predator numbers, is for the state of Kansas to educate other sportsman's groups that these properties will experience heavy trapping pressure during the two week period beginning February 1 each year with the intent of reducing predator numbers as we go into nesting season and, should they turn their dogs loose on that property, know that they do so at their own risk. I've trapped for many years, run coonhounds, and called predators most of my life. There wasn't a single night that I unclipped my coonhound not knowing that it might be the last time I ever saw him alive. It was an accepted risk and the cost of doing business. Whether it is Mansfield or Bell who made the decision to post that picture, Mansfield should know that as a hunter, he has committed one of the most egregious acts of betrayal that he can put upon the hunting community. By throwing conibears under the bus, he has offered up the consumptive use of wildlife in Kansas to the extremist animal rights movement like a pig on a platter. Kansas, being one of the country's last bastions of rural lifetsyle, is considered a true trophy by groups like PETA and the Humane Society of the United States, groups recognized by our own Justice Department as domestic terrorist organizations. In doing so, he threatens to comprimise the ability of both upland bird and furbearer management programs to do their job as effectively as they have in the past, making Kansas a showcase for American wildlife management. Few states have the variety of game and non-game in the numbers as we do here in Kansas, and we didn't get that way by letting nature run its course. For those of you that do not support trapping because it's barbaric or unethical to exploit wildlife for profit, the profit incentive is how we get people to trap. Without that, furbearere management would be non-existant and animals like raccoons and coyotes would decimate other "more valuable" species. Game animals like deer, pheasants and waterfowl are hunted for sport and that is generally accepted by society because those animals are killed and eaten. Most all trapped animals fall into at least one of three different categories - carnivore, scavenger or rodent. Some fit into more than one. Regrdless, this country was founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs and, for the most part, our religious upbringing considers each of these three groups to be inedible. Think about it. Through controlled and regulated trapping, the fur industry creates a financial incentive that brings trappers into the game to provide a service to the public (population control) at no cost to tax payers. In those states where trapping has been banned, furbearer related damage amounts have skyrocketed and the state and local governments find themselves scrambling to pay government licensed trappers to eradicate problem aniamls. In that sense, when trapping is outlawed, everyone becomes a trapper. Except that hardly anyone has the actual blood on their hands. Every hunter in the state of Kansas, and across the nation for that matter, owe Mr. Carson and Mr. Bell a debt of gratitude for burying this knife in our collective backs. Trapping has always been the tip of the spear in protecing the rights of American sportsmen and women and it's boehead stunts like this that keep us in the good fight. Talk about short-sighted...
3/13/2009
ONE LESS CUSTOMER says....
I DID NOT NEED TO SEE THAT PICTURE. POOR JUDGEMENT...WHY WAS THAT NECESSARY?
3/13/2009
Doglover says....
Now lets see what shows up on the 333 line. Nice to have replys to an article. Need to wake up more people. Maybe pictures from the war zones would help stop support for wars.
3/13/2009
billy bob says....
should we really have a cop on the force that isn't able to figure out how to open a conibear trap? Seriously what good would he be if there was a child in danger? And it's obvious the SJ is in financial trouble to be placing a photo like this on the front page.
3/13/2009
says....
I don't need to see a picture on a dead dog on the front page of the paper. Please use better judgment next time.
3/13/2009
Space says....
I feel bad for the owner of the dog, just like the rest of you. I support the trapper, as he what he did was legal, and a sport he enjoys. What I don't like is the Salina Journal has sunken to this level to post and plaster this image on the front page of the newspaper to make a reaction. That's one way to sell a paper, post something like this right on the front page, where children walking into the gas station can look at this. I can't believe the Journal has sunken to this low to sell a paper, and I hope whoever made the call to include the picture to sell a couple more papers has to have the picture on his/her desk to remind them of the level they are at to sell a product.
3/13/2009
justactrygal says....
He's salina police chief ..I think salina j will print and show anything for him ...and they did..Mansfield ...would anyone else get this attention ..if that was my dog and I called the police would you do this for anyone else
3/13/2009
says....
OMG i am soo sorry for the senseless death of this dog. i have 2 and i couldnt imagine what i wouldve done if that was my dog!!! they are my babies just like bella was yours. this picture makes me cry!!! make traps illegal!! im with you 100% in support!
3/13/2009
trapper and wife of trapper says....
Yep, the PETA people will run with this. So Obama will take our guns away and SJ will take our traps away.... how will we take care of the coyotes in New Cambria? Maybe with our hands? I guess we can gather all the deer around us next fall and tell them they can't out run a car or they could kill themselves or the people in the car. We need to keep this stuff out of the news because people who never leave town don't see the real world and when they do all they want to do is cause problems for the rest of us. For all you who think trapping is unnessary today have you ever thought about what would happen to our ecosystem if we could not trap? Think about it. Maybe you would lock your dog up at night so something won't get it. Unless it is an illegal trap a conibear trap will not break your hand.
3/13/2009
concearned human says....
When did our sociaty put animals before human life? A young man was shot and killed a couple of years ago when a coyote hunter was shooting at what he thought was a coyote but was a young man hunting geese. Where was the outcry to stop coyote hunting or to stop using guns? There a many hunting accidents each year involving humans but I here no cry to stop hunting or the use of guns.It is sad when the death of an animal creates more of an uproar than the death of a young man.
3/13/2009
Shadow says....
Also, This case is like a month old. Shouldn't he be over it by now and start solving crime. It seems like he is more concerned about the traps, than solving murders. So much for public safety. It seems like he has spent the last month whining to get this in the paper. He should be out doing his job.
3/13/2009
Rachel says....
Why are some of these posters ASSUMING he was driving when he took that picture? Why do they also ASSUME that because he's a Police Officer that he's using the department's time and resources to promote this story? Is it not possible that he owns a camera of his own and is using his free time to promote awareness? Also, the article says that he couldn't get the trap off his dog, so would you have preferred he leave his beloved pet in the middle of that field to get eaten by coyotes? Another point, comparing this story to a dog getting run over in the street is like comparing apples to oranges. Dogs shouldn't be running in the street whereas dogs running on public hunting ground is perfectly normal. One last thing, I've seen the Journal run many stories that do not involve Police Officers, so perhaps they had other reasons for running this story. Many of these derogatory comments are asinine. Think before you post!
3/13/2009
madhatter says....
I can't think of how many ways showing that picture is just wrong. Why didn't you just a picture of the trap and and a picture of the dog when she was alive. Not a picture of a dead dog in trap. I can think a few place I like to see the trap snaped shut on and they all belong to the heartless people who set them!!!
3/13/2009
Tara says....
Thanks for ruining my night by allowing such a horrific picture of an innocent wonderful dog run on the front page of your online edition. I realize you are trying to make a point about the danger of traps on public land. HOWEVER, a disclaimer or warning about the content of the story and picture was definitely warranted. Some of us who love our dogs as if they were born to us cannot handle seeing them hurt or dead. Luckily, I have a wonderful doggy that can kiss my tears away.
3/13/2009
Mike says....
Way to go Salina J. Who ever gave permission to post this picture is a low life. You feel good? What a great way to start a day.
3/13/2009
Free American says....
You notice the man is a hunter. so its so inhumane that his dog died in a trap as he hunts down and kills non domesticated animals. Do any of you people feel bad for the aniimals he has killed as a hunter. Do you think the lives of the animals he has killed are of lesser value than his domesticated animal. boo hoo poor police man. go pet your dead dog and have a nice day.
3/13/2009
says....
Shame on you Salina J. Having this picture on the front page. I thought you were responsible, but I realize you are lowlife.
3/13/2009
Lorie says....
People need to see this sad photo - both children and adults. This is the suffering trappers inflict on animals. Trapping is not needed for human survival in this day and age. There is little market for fur in the United States. What is trapping other than a barbaric sport? Please show more of the hideous pain inflicted by trappers on innocent creatures. Wait until a child get caught in one of these things
3/13/2009
Big John says....
The demise of the dog is unfortunate. That being said,we as hunters and trappers need to stick togeater on issues such as these. Ban traps on public ground and next they will ban any activity. Seems to me that education is in order. Any hunter knows the risk of letting your dog run.Don't have a knee jerk reaction to the death of a dog. I'm for letting everyone use public ground for it's intended purpose.
3/13/2009
Pete says....
It's a stupid law to allow trapping on public lands. Why not set an "acid pit" for kids and pets to fall in, too?
3/13/2009
Concerned owner says....
So, what did people think a few years ago about the puppy that was burned with acid and and "discarded" that was shown on KAKE TV ? Seeing that puppy suffer on TV was horrible. His agony was horribly extended. To some of us, those "animals" are our children. How would you feel if your child got into one of those traps, or someone threw acid on them and left them for dead... or to lay and suffer, until death took them away. Nothing worse sits in my mind than watching and not being able to do anything to any avail to save my child or my beloved pet. I do agree, sad to see this in the paper, but such a good way to get the attention of those in force to change the laws. Our hearts go out for the loss and hopefully things will change to get rid of these devices... As a side note.. those of u who question if Carson has his seat belt on in the picture ... I ask you... WAS HE DRIVING AT THE TIME ??? Seems to me, I've had my "boys" in the car and we are sitting in the parking lot for a picture, we don't have seat belts on.... IS THAT A CRIME??? Think about it b4 u submit remarks like that with out knowing
3/13/2009
jr says....
No it's not Just because he's a Cop that the picture was printed. It's because he is the only one who has the courage to step forward and try to let everyone know what an outrage these traps are. Courage and Compassion.... I think that's a great quality in someone who pledges his life to serve and protect! No one should be outraged by this, not even a child. This is something that needed to be addressed and I for one am glad that we have Public Servants that Care! As for the children that don't understand? Well how about telling them the truth!
3/13/2009
concerned says....
I have a question for you guys/gals/trappers who are questioning the this situation... I think you need to think REAL hard about this... What if you were out hunting with YOUR dog and your dog got caught in it and god-forbid died. What would you think? I'm not against trapping, I'm against trapping on PUBLIC property.
3/13/2009
Sick says....
THAT PICTURE IS WRONG!!!!!
3/13/2009
Animal Lover says....
Animal abuse makes me sick! I can not believe you put that on the front page. I will be stopping my paper today. Unbelievable! Tom Bell you are a sick person. This should get someone in trouble.
3/13/2009
me says....
The picture of Bella in the trap was not necessary!
3/13/2009
Shadow says....
If it was my dog, nobody would care. I guess if your a cop you get the front page of SJ. It is sad what happened to the dog. But SJ did not have to put the picture on the front page for my kid to see.
3/13/2009
CC in Kansas says....
Public or Private land...these traps should be made illegal. But that will probably never happen.The makers of these traps should at least be made to be able to free an animal from this type of trap more easily. I have a german shepherd who got caught in one of these traps that was on a creek that within 100 yrds of our farm house. It was placed was on private land without persmission. My dog...busted the trap loose drug it and the chain that was attached to it home. It crushed one side of his scull, broke an eardrum, and broke blood vessels in his eyes. Had it not been for my dogs large size and my neighbor being close with the tool to get him out...he would have died. These traps are horrible and should be made illegal for any land...and if not that...then made to be able to free it's animal easier. If they were made with a quick release mechanism.. maybe Carson's dog would still be alive. I know that time was of essence in the release of my dog. I do have to say that showing the picture was a little over the top.
3/13/2009
Oldsportsman says....
Well the picture brings home a point. Traps are dangerous. Think about the size of the dog. Kids are currious and some aren't much bigger than the dog. The public lands are for everyone for most every recreational pourpose. The trap should have had the trappers name and adress and phone number. Without such it would have been maliciously set and abandoned. Trapers can use live traps they are just as effective and are fair to all involved thus avoiding wrongfull death. Yes we can all play safely together. Conabear traps and all death traps should be banned.
3/13/2009
Ash says....
if it would have been a child then there would have been footage on tv of the kids arm and the pictures of what agony the child went through.....so yes there would have been twice as many disturbing pictures....the picture of the dog got it out inthe open what happens and what couldve been a child
3/13/2009
wife of hunter says....
people get over it public hunting and trapping is just that for the public. Use better judgment when letting your dog run free during any hunting or trapping season
3/13/2009
Get a conscience says....
To those who are upset with the SJ for running this article with the photo, I say, "wake-up out of your Pollyanna World". Deliberate violence happens to animals everyday at the hands of human cruelty and indifference. I applaud the Journal for giving attention to an article that would typically either go unprinted or be hidden in the back pages. If you take offense when reading the article, then don’t misdirect your anger and outrage toward the paper who reports on it – instead direct your attention to those individuals who condone the practice of trapping. Let your emotions speak to your conscience and help make a change in the laws that would allow something like this to be legal. To the hunters & trappers who are writing in with harsh and snide comments toward SJ and the man whose dog was killed – I say, "you only further give hunters and trappers a bad name”. Would it be too much for you to offer one word of condolence? Rubbing salt in the wound only shows your lack of compassion, and further underscores your hardened, cruel indifference toward wildlife, pets, and pet owners. We are no longer living in a “wild frontier” where our survival depends on trapping animals for food and clothes. Those days are over, yet apparently our laws still allow these traps that cause unnecessary pain and suffering to animals. It is my hope that this controversial article will educate enough people about this subject to bring about change to our outdated laws.
3/13/2009
says....
Trapping in this manner should be banned. On AnY land. I know hunters don't typically think of how they maim the animals they kill, but wasn't the guy in the story doing the very thing to other animals? Why is a dog different than other animals just because we consider them to be more doesn't mean they are. I would like to see all hunters be humane, whether it be shooting animals or trapping them. I realize that we do need to hunt, but it shouldn't be a game with no regard for the animal.
3/13/2009
jr says....
This is for Enbee....If you had read the whole story, he tried with everything in him to save his dog...He DID NOT CHOOSE..... to prolong HER Suffering. Wake up People....This isn't about "RIGHTS" this is about "1" issue that needs to be resolved. Hunting in itself is not on the discussion block here!
3/13/2009
willy says....
Carson Sorry for your loss. If I come across a trap on opublic property I am pulling it. We lived in the country and somebody had the nerve to put a trap by our pond. Guess what? They don't have that trap anymore. Responsibility lies with the trapper here They should not be allowed on public property. Been reeading this with interest. The picture was a little over the top but let me tell you what. People will remember this. Give me a break about how our country was founded. this is a way different society. THOSE TRAPS DO NOT BELONG ON PUBLIC LAND
3/13/2009
shifty says....
I dont have a problem with trapping but why do you have to bait the trap. If this trap wouldnt have had the bait she probably wouldnt have even looked at it and walked right by. I dont think I will be taking my 2 beagles to any of our lakes.
3/13/2009
says....
Rich, if that's all you got out of this story, 'someone messing with a trap,' you missed the point.
3/13/2009
says....
This photo sure slaps you in the face with the reality of how cruel these traps are. As long as they continue to use these on public land - its just a matter of time until another incident happens and we wonder why nothing was done to prevent it. Thank you SJ for publishing the photo, I'll find other places to hike.
3/13/2009
kindaSucks says....
Kinda sucks getting screwed by the law doesnt it? Few points... Trappers have equal access to public lands too. If the leash law is followed this was all prevented.. With hunting there is a risk. Im sure the rabbit in a dogs teeth doesnt see things much different than this situation.
3/13/2009
hunter safety says....
Kudos to the Journal (and I don't pass them out to the Journal very often) for not being afraid to post this prominently to bring attention to this problem!!! Without this publication of ugly truth, how will bad things get fixed? Yes, it is awful and hard to explain to children, but HELLO! Life is real, death is real, and we need to be educated on the ugliness that needs to be rectified. I'm fine with trapping on private land only. Hunters must get permission to hunt private land and the land owners should be letting the hunters with permission know about traps for safety sake. Hunters on private land without permission...THAT would be a different story, and very sad, but too bad. We need to change this law.
3/13/2009
EnBee says....
This picture SHOULD NOT have been printed for all to see, and certainly NOT front page, in color, and above the fold! Stories on TV news that are graphic and disgusting are preceded by a warning. I didn't get a warning this morning when I unfolded the paper. I am enraged by the whole incident, including an owner who would choose to prolong an animal's suffering, but i am also enraged by your choice to FEATURE this horribly sad photo in this manner. The other pictures with the story would have been sufficient.
3/13/2009
labluvr says....
Horrible decision to print that picture. It's a shame that you had to show an animal suffering.
3/13/2009
David Atherton says....
The trap was illegally placed. I removed it (with a hacksaw) before we buried her. Even if the trap had been able to be removed before she died, the dog had permanent damage. The trap was not identified with the trappers name or it would have been legal. All pertinent information and reports have been made with appropriate authorities. Carson did not know that the pictures would be on the front page of the paper, or even in the paper. He is busy raising awareness of this terrible situation and trying to make walking your dog across public land more safe for your dog. The pictures are controversial, and I can understand this. My wife won't look at them. They are raising awareness, though, and are doing what was intended. This is not an all out attempt to get rid of trapping. It is an honest protest against snares and conibears on public property. Nebraska has already outlawed these types of traps on public property. This is unpleasant situation. Many people are not exposed to life and death situations. Try spending a few days at the animal shelter and find out what life is about. A few days at a vet clinic will show the same. Real life is not seen through rose colored glasses.
3/13/2009
kwood says....
My thoughts and prayers go out to carson Mansfield and his family, the loss of a loved animal is a painful one, especially when you witness it. I think the picture was hard to see, however the "truth" in it is more important, i hopw something is done to resolve the trapping problems.
3/13/2009
mh says....
I like how some of you keep saying, "what if it was a child". What would a child be doing out there by themselves? He said that he had a TWO HOUR hike back to his vehicle, do you really think there is going to be small children just running around out there? Anybody that is a hunter should not support this message, because if they do ban trapping, your hunting rights will be next on the chopping block.
3/13/2009
Rich says....
I think the cop should be brought up on charges for messing with someone elses trap.
3/13/2009
Beagle Mom says....
I am not happy about the front page photo. It was not necessary to get the point of the article across. I suggest you have more compassion in the future. And if it was a 'curious chid' as someone mentioned above, would you really want to see that photo on the front page? If so, get some psychiatric help, because that is disturbing.
3/13/2009
says....
Traps are legal, it was his own fault for hunting there. Rabbit season is year round, he sould have hunted after all the other seasons ended.
3/13/2009
Catmando says....
You folks will regret trying to "outlaw" traps. This year has been terrible for wild animals. Wait until spring when the rabid animals drift into town. Why don't you do a story on all the cats being dumped in the country. That is truely cruel. I have 4 new cats that I'm going to have to take care of - one way or another.
3/13/2009
thousand words says....
Do I need glasses? I looked at that pic several times and there is no blood. A small child who is not yet able to read could easily be told and believe the dog was asleep. For those that can read they live in Salina and surrounding areas maybe they take walks with grandpa at Thomas Park I have seen traps back in the wooded area and the near by Dry Creek. A pictures worth a thousand words kids dont listen bout running ahead or keeping up. Maybe this picture will save a childs hand, arm or foot. By the way I thought it was curiosity killed the cat?
3/13/2009
Trapper says....
Why do people keep saying what if this was a child?The man lost his beloved beagle not his child.What about in this poor economy the deputy who stole the trappers trap pays him for his inconvenience.And yet no one cares about the trapper.Is this Kansas or CA!!!
3/13/2009
x-subscriber says....
Thanks Salina Journal for the picture, my 7 year old just loved it let me tell you. No more Subscription renewal from our family! Whats next, porn in the Sunday Paper?
3/13/2009
alcseed@yahoo.com says....
I think the whole concept of trapping is barbaric and disgusting. It should be out-lawed.Yes our country was founded with trappers, but we used to scalp people and tie them to anthills. Time goes on and things change.
3/13/2009
A.J. says....
I cannot believe that this was allowed to be printed in the paper. How horrible of the Salina Journal to publish this picture, this is in very bad taste and whoever is responsible for okaying this should be ashamed of themselves.
3/13/2009
Long-Gone says....
Sensationalism? Akin to the Enquirer? Come on, Salina! This is REAL journalism here. The hard, ugly truth. Why do Salinans insist on living in a happy little bubble, with pretty pictures and a complete lack of reality. After 30 years I was lucky to escape that town, off to the real world (good AND bad). It's no wonder Salina will NEVER top 50,000 people, it will never make any progress, it will fight tooth and nail to remain a small little backwards town.
3/13/2009
jr says....
Wake up People!! If you really think the only reason this made front page news is because of Deputy Chief of Police's status in the community, you are dead wrong. it's because of his tragedy and his commitment to the law that this made the front page! This was not only a hunting dog, but a beloved member of his family and she died! Because some idiot set a trap on public land. If this had happened to anyone of your children or your pet, you would be appauled too. This needs to be addressed and I think it was very hard for him to take the picture but he knew he had to do something. Bella should not die in vain....This needs to Stop!
3/13/2009
K says....
THAT PICTURE IS RIDICULOUS! THAT SHOULDN'T OF EVEN BE ALLOWED ONLINE! OBVIOUSLY THE JOURNAL IS NOT A HUGE DOG LOVER! REMOVE THAT PIC ASAP! HORRIBLE HORRIBLE TASTE!!!!! DISGUSTED!
3/13/2009
says....
If I'm not mistaken, aren't conibear traps supposed to be submerged? And is the SJ so short on creativity as to resort to using obscene pictures of dead animals to boost buzz/sales? Who's minding the store??
3/13/2009
LLCoolJ says....
This goes against everything I was taught in journalism school. One of the ethic rules we were taught was NEVER show death in print or TV. And secondly, the front page is reserved for breaking news - this story happened a month ago!
3/13/2009
Citizen says....
Seriously! That picture is disturbing... What were you thinking??? Now along with the dog in the dump picture from a few years back, I'll now have this image burned in my brain too. Thanks a lot!
3/13/2009
jeffro says....
It was unconscionable and unnecessary to publish that picture. Doesn't anyone with any brains proofread and edit this paper? On the other hand, gore-seekers need not have to log on to sleazy internet sites to view cool snuff images. Thanks Salina Urinal!
3/13/2009
Oh, bother! says....
If this picture upsets people then be careful where you drive. There is a man holding up a sign with a partial aborted fetus. I don't see people complaining about that; of course because its his freedom of speech.
3/13/2009
c.m. says....
I am very displeased that this photo was ran in the paper.
3/13/2009
Heather says....
While I agree with the story and the motive behind doing the story, I do NOT think the photo of Bella caught in the trap should have been printed on the front page, I personally dont think it should have been printed at all but at the very least you could have put it on page 2!!!! Very disturbing and poor judgement on the SJ's part. Small children probably saw this!!
3/13/2009
The syko one says....
I just honestly do not know what to say about this. I do feel the picture being printed in the paper was a necessary evil. Sometimes some people do not get it unless it smacks them up side the head. Is there another type of trap that could be used in place of these that would be just as effective at capturing the intended prey, but not harming the animal just in case someone's pet found it?
3/13/2009
says....
Trapping fur is one of the things that founded this country!! This land is owned by the state...NOT this land is the peoples of this state to recreate on. We as outdoorsmen have to stick together. Feel for this gentleman and his dog but if we let the PETA wackos ban trapping they will come after your hound hunting next. Isnt it just as cruel to let this dog run free and chase poor rabbits to their death? NO!! Its life. Wildlife lives and dies, thats the way it is folks. Lots of danger in the outdoors for a pet. If this area hadnt been kept in check by a trapper keeping the population of coyotes and such down this very well could have been a poor beagle attacked by a coyote. Just look at the news in states that have banned alot of trapping. California has daily pet attacks and numerous attacks on humans!! Enough said.
3/13/2009
Ash says....
i do beleive that the picture was worth the turmoil....most people have no idea what a trap can do to an animal......still what could this have dun to a childs arm since is was set on PUBLIC LAND!!!
3/13/2009
Ash says....
over half of my family traps, but not one of them is dumb enough to put traps on public land where not only dogs are very active but children has any one thought about a childs hand or arm being in that trap!!!!
3/13/2009
Lingohocken says....
Running the dog photo was not sensationalism, but courageous. People who want pink ruffles and perfume to gloss over life's difficult moments should consider moving to monasteries. It is unacceptable that citizens can't stroll with their dogs or tots on public open space without risking trauma or death from secreted jaws traps. If these indiscriminate traps must be allowed, then they should be restricted to clearly marked niches so the public is forewarned.
3/13/2009
D says....
Why is shock journalism so popular? The picture is just too much. It distracts from the story itself because all I want to do is find something else to look at.
3/13/2009
former subscriber says....
This photo was not appropriate for a family newspaper. This is no different than abortion protesters on the side of the road holding photos. I would not invite those protesters into my home. I will no longer welcome the Salina Journal in my home
3/13/2009
Uniformed says....
Sorry about your pet , but I have to disagree with you on this it is your responsibility to manage your pet you know this as a citizen and as a public servant put the blame where it belongs on the owner who did not have control of his pet, and having hunted in this area before knowing very well of the trapping that has been done over the years there , you should have been more cautious!
3/13/2009
Lee says....
Kill traps should be outlawed--period. Anywhere.Thank you for running this photo!
3/13/2009
Trapper says....
Who lets there children run loose in the woods to stumble upon the bucket.Yes it is a great sport yet not for all but for those whom love it.
3/13/2009
says....
I'm glad to see that he loved his dog so much that he put a shock collar on her! Don't believe me, take a good look at both the disgusting picture and the one with her on his lap, where he's not wearing a seatbelt. Talk about inhumane!
3/13/2009
A says....
sick and not right to put this photo up here
3/13/2009
Wyatt says....
it is perfectley legal to trap until feburary 15 so this trapper was doing nothing wrong the dog owner should of had his dog more controlled and been closer to it...if he wants to ban these traps on public land then they should also ban dogs on public land being it his fault as well
3/13/2009
Outdoorsman3 says....
Is this paper having problems finacially? What a blame excuse to open up a can worms that has been dead so long. Your Editor should be put on leave for letting a Morbid photo of a dead dog appear on the front page. If this was to save your paper from Bankruptcy like the rest of them going down, Good Luck. I beleive most people wouldn't buy it anyway after this incident!
3/13/2009
bob says....
asking that trapping be made ilegal is no more greedy and ridiculous than asking that hunting dogs be banned. both are legitimate land uses. his dog was out of his control and on land not owned by him anymore than by the legal trapper. had the dog been hit by a car, would he ask that cars be made illegal? if the dog was chasing/hunting rabbits, why did it stick it`s head in a bucket likely baited with raccoon scent? anyone that allows a dog to run free accepts the risk of injury or death from a multitude of causes, like coyote attacks, automobiles, snake bites, falls and other injuries, drowning, dog fights and the list is endless. if the dog is a PET, keep it on a leash or at home. then ZERO risk. and the comment about the dogs "soul", pleae spare me. I`m sure the trapper was not trapping dogs, and just as sure dogs do not have souls. out of curiosity, was the policeman charged with trap theft or tampering with a legally set trap?
3/13/2009
Billy Y says....
Had this dog been run over by a car instead of caught in a trap we would never have heard of it. Perhaps hound hunting should be banned on public ground rather than trapping?
3/13/2009
ConibearsKill says....
The decision to run this photo was correct and important. Editors -- Thank you. There is a real danger to pets and hunting dogs from traps and people need to see it.
3/13/2009
says....
DID these make it to the frontpage because his a cop. if it would of been avg. person not sure anybody would have cared.
3/13/2009
Kim says....
Salina Journal, I am appalled at your lack of taste in using this photo. The story and additional photos were enough to report the sad and useless loss of a beloved pet, and the danger of trapping animals on public land!
3/13/2009
says....
the truth is painful,it will not help by buring your head in the sand,cograts on the hard hitting photo,trapping...what a great sport...ban it!
3/13/2009
K. Johnson says....
Publishing the picture of the hunting dog caught in the trap was totally unecessary. It was upsetting for me,let alone any small children that may have seen it and may be traumatized and having nightmares as a result. This is irresponsible journalism, and borders on something you'd find in the National Enquirer. Shame on you Salina Journal! Once again, you've opted for sensationalism in what should be a family newspaper. A few years back, you had a sickening picture of a dog on the cover that someone had thrown through a picture window plastered on your front page. You'd have thought you'd learned your lesson. If there's a newspaper award for the most distastful picture of the year, you'd win!
3/13/2009
Jen says....
im am so sorry for the loss of your dog but i do think that the journal should of put a link in the paper if they wanted to see the dog that is just cruel and unusual punishment the paper had done
3/13/2009
Nicole says....
..That was very hard to see. I'm at school and we were all looking at the article. It was very hard for us students to read it. I think they should of kept the picture off and just had the article. The picture was way to much..
3/13/2009
Trapper says....
Is this a waste of money, is he using force equipment to pay for his personal vindetta.Is he wearing a seatbelt in his picture.Who is giving this man a ticket for unlawfully messing with another mans trap.Did any one call a game warden? It is legal and just along with being an american tradition.Which came first the Beagle breed or the trap,just how was America won?
3/13/2009
CrazyLegs says....
I applaud SJ for printing this entire story AND pictures. For those who find the pictures Bella after her horrible struggle with death need to wake up and realize what goes on in the world. What if that would have been a curious child??? I hope that Mansfield can use his position of power to get laws changed. This was a trumatic situation for him - trying desperately to save his beloved dog and unable to do so. A bucket sitting in the woods would seem innocent enough to a child, too. Again, way to go SJ for stepping up and informing your readers.
3/13/2009
Sarah says....
People dont wanna see the FACTS, yeah the picture was a lot but that is what will get people motivated to do something about it.
3/13/2009
says....
I agree, the article was very direct with great information. HOWEVER, the photo of the poor dog was way too much. It's just the photo I'm upset about, not the story.
3/13/2009
Kelly Hogarty says says....
Carson I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful dog Bella, words just can't say enough about your horrible loss! I remember back when I was about 17 years old I witnessed seeing a dead dog that had been killed in a game trap while hunting on a public hunting ground near Bennington. The dog was thrown into a heap of brush, maybe in the attempt of trying to conceal the evidence. I remember thinking back then the exact same thought, if it is public hunting area why in the world would trapping be allowed on it? I'm not saying that I want trapping outlawed either. I absolutely agree with Carson that in a public area it is absolutely not the place for a concealed weapon that causes death. The trap being concealed is the absolute problem!
3/13/2009
Oeta did not do it says....
Though a terrible loss of a friend this should by no means stop ar detur legal trapping.Had this officer paid attention as so many of us do he might of been better off.I certainly hope tax payers money has not been used in this personal case.Is the officer wearing a seat belt is this what we want to potray to our children?. No real trapper abandons something he trapps that is why they call it trapping.Separate the land,focus on youre animal and stop wasting tax payers money to work these cases which dont break the law.
3/13/2009
Sue says....
What were you thinking Salina Journal? A link to the internet would have been better. The picture was huge and in color and on the front page. How about a picture of aborted fetuses to protest abortion.
3/13/2009
Kelly R says....
Really poor taste SJ!! The SJ is, pretty close to being, the first thing I set my sight on every morning. If I feel this bad, after today's paper, I don't think I want the journal to be part of my 'mourning' routine. The picture of United Way would have been much more appropriate for the front page...nice shot, Tom :)
3/13/2009
Disgusted says....
Are you kidding me?? I can not even believe that anyone thought it a good idea to put a picture of a dead dog on the front page of the paper. I understand the point of the story but this was too much. Did you not think of the children that are going to see this paper?
3/13/2009
Dog Lover says....
Outrageous!! Poor little Bella....God Bless her sweet soul!! God Bless you, Mr. Mansfield...I know you're heartbroken over the loss of a special family member.
3/13/2009
Trapper says....
Trapper Is it legal to pull another mans trap while hunting on goverment ground?Though it is hard to loose a faithfull companion it makes me worry this officer was using the forces valuable equipment to take these pictures are we also funding personal vindettas. I believe hunting and trapping land should be separated but since it is not any one whom values his hunting companion should take the proper precautions to ensure their safety. Is this officer wearing a seatbelt while photographing Bella and himself. Trapping an american tradition older than the beed of beagle!!
3/13/2009
PETA did it says....
I think the Journal used poor judgement. They could have placed the picture on the internet with a link in the paper and a disclaimer. The public hunting land needs to be separated with specific sites that need trapping for animal control. This will keep the liberal wackos from setting a trap on walk-in hunting, as they have done in the past. These "animal lovers" prefer to injure your hunting dog or child verses legal wild animal selection. Maybe PETA set this trap?
3/13/2009
Poor decisions says....
What was the basis of a decision to run the bulk of the Madoff story later in the paper and a picture of a dead dog as the front page lead....Peoples lives financially destroyed and 2 suicides attached to this story and the Journal leads with a dead dog.....
3/13/2009
Torque says....
WOW welcome to the real world! Ah too bad you ignorant people can't see past the silver spoons and nice pretty things. THIS is reality and what happened to this dog is wrong. I'm not even a dog lover but can see the point in this story. It's about time the Journal grew a set and printed something of this magnitude. This is an EXCELLENT real world article with a very direct point. Tethered to the owner?? Evidently someone has never been hunting. Good job SJ, way to wake up these putzos... To Mansfield, sorry about your loss but I hope this gets the ball rolling on laws against this kind of trapping.
3/13/2009
dog lover says....
What if it was a small child or even me. I can understand it was for hunting, but to me, it seems very irresponsible to have it just "setting" on public property. I'm an animal lover and I think the pic is extremely graphic. The way the journal is, I'm surprised they did it.
3/13/2009
Rick says....
If Mansfield wasn't a police officer this case would have not gotten any notice. The Journal and Wildlife and Parks would have said too bad, too sad. The gory picture the Journal ran is just another way to stir up the pot and entice people to buy a copy of this dinosaur of a paper.
3/13/2009
Jess in NW says....
I agree, the picture of the poor dog was WAY too much! The two other pics of him & his dog would have been sufficient to make the story sympathetic. But, I do agree that trapping shouldn't be allowed on goverment property. Why should individuals be able to profit off the furs that they trap on Government land? And aren't these traps potentially a risk to curious children as well when they are at the lake with their parents?
3/13/2009
Takecareofyourpetnexttime says....
This just proves that there are hazards no matter where you go. Yes, it's nice to let your dogs run loose, but as you can see, it can also be dangerous if not deadly. Had the beloved dog been tethered to it's owner, perhaps this would not have happened?
3/13/2009
says....
What a horrible, morbid decision to put that photo up. I realize they want to show people the seriousness of this issue, but I could have gotten the message without the inappropriate, disturbing photo. I teared up, and will probably be sad the rest of the morning. I hope the Salina Journal can't sleep tonight, knowing they saddened so many people today because of a photo they printed just to stir things up and gain attention.
3/13/2009
gonetoofar says....
Yes, it is always sad to loose a pet. I think it was in very poor taste to have that picture posted. I'll bet if it was MY dog, there wouldn't have been a whimper about it, let alone a picture on the front page! Maybe Mr. Mansfield can explain to my young children why there is such a disturbing picture of his dog on the front page of the paper.
3/13/2009
says....
I was shocked to open up the paper this morning to find such a disturbing photo of a poor dead dog in a trap. I think it was in very bad taste to put such a photo on the front page of the paper. The story was needed to make people aware, but was the picture neccessary. I think there could have been a better way to get the message to the public. I am just thankful that my daughter didn't see it.
3/13/2009
Craigshadow says....
That was a HORRIBLE picture to wake up to... I am suprised you would post it.. please remove it!
3/13/2009
Just Me says....
Kids look at this newspaper. What kind of people print a dead dog locked in a trap? I sympathize for the hunter, but I could have done without the visual.
3/13/2009
Aunt Julie says....
Oh Sweet Bella!! How awful!!! This was the sweetest dog ever. I hope you get things changed for the sake of other dogs. It is so devistating to loose a beloved pet and my heart goes out to you.
3/13/2009
Eric says....
So, now they're gonna try to make Kanopolis' new slogan, Come on Vacation, leave on Probation too? How about smoking, do they allow that at the lake? That will be the next case for the Salina Cigarette Detectives. Just stay home, please.
3/13/2009
Post a comment
Your best chance of getting your comment posted:
Read our full use policy.
Your best chance of getting your comment posted:
- No profanity
- Be civil
- Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
| SALINA.COM FEATURES | ||
NEWS |
ONLINE EXTRAS |
COMMUNITY |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | ||
CLASSIFIED
BUSINESS SERVICES |
READER SERVICES
|
SPECIAL SECTIONS |
| salina.com is an online
feature of the Salina Journal Copyright © 2010 Salina Journal and MediaSpan Contact Us | Terms of Service |
||