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A Richmond resident is crying foul after discovering her neighbour is trapping squirrels on top of their shared fence.
CJ Miller got upset a few days ago when she heard the squirrels screaming after being trapped in the backyard of the detached homes on Sheridan Street, close to No. 2 and Williams roads.
Miller was so incensed that she went out to investigate and, upon seeing the squirrels trapped in the wire cage, proceeded to set them free.
She has been knocking on her neighbour’s door to ask why they’d set the trap, but nobody has answered.
After contacting the RCMP, the City of Richmond and the Regional Animal Protection Society, Miller was stunned to be told that the trapping of squirrels is actually legal.
“I can’t believe this. It’s so barbaric. There’s one there now and I’m going to go out there and release it,” Miller told the Richmond News.
“I’ve no idea why they’re trapping them. It’s so primitive, it’s hanging on by some cord and wire. I’ve been lifting the trap door to let them out.”
Advice on the City of Richmond’s website confirms that the humane trapping of squirrels is legal, for the purposes of relocating them within a 10 kilometre radius.
“Relocation is only recommended outside the breeding season (not from May through August), to prevent separation of females from dependent young, and also potentially adds to the problem of extending the range of this non-native species. Trapping may not accomplish much in the long term, because individuals caught and transferred elsewhere will soon be replaced by others.”
The BCSPCA, although also confirming on its site that trapping is legal, advises against it and, instead, suggests using an AnimalKind Accredited company that uses humane methods.
Miller said she has been asked to set up a 24-hour camera to ensure the squirrels are being treated humanely.
“I can’t do that, I’m a senior,” she added.
“The trap fell over the other day and was hanging on their side of the fence. I have to listen to this little thing screaming until it dies? Come on.
“This area is full of tall pine trees, there’s quite a few of them. It’s insane. Knowing this is legal feels like a kick in the gut.
“What ever happened to cruelty to wildlife?”
