Homeowner putting out animal traps?

Hello,

I just received word that one of our residents has put animal traps in his backyard. Some residents are concerned that a cat may accidentally go in one. I know our Association doesn't have a rule about animal traps because it's never come up.

Is this something the board should be aware of/approve, or at the very least warn the residents about? The neighbor who put out the traps has been very vocal about hating animals and was even trying to figure out a way to get rid of squirrels even though there has never been any problems at all with any wildlife in this suburban neighborhood.

I would think the resident should have to inform neighbors of what the purpose of the traps is and what he intends to do if an animal is caught.

I'm guessing there is nothing the board can do, other than hope nothing ever gets trapped?

Thanks for your feedback/suggestions.

Hi Jennifer:

In many cities it is potentially illegal for homeowners to allow even their cats to roam freely; therefore, I would first call your local humane society and insure exactly what are the local regulations. Also ask about any regulations for trapping any animals. In one community I lived the trap could only be placed late in the evening and any trapped animals had to be taken to the shelter early the next morning. It was illegal to trap an animal during the day and have it caged during the heat of the daytime hours.

After you check on the regulations I would suggest maybe knocking on the door and asking the homeowner. If they say yes they are trapping ... let them know that neighbors have voiced concerns and you wanted to insure that they are aware of the regulations for said activity and are properly following any regulations. Let them know you are performing a courteous visit to hopefully avoid having someone else get the humane society involved.

I have a number of pets and I love animals, but those who own animals have a responsibility in potentially not allowing their pets to roam freely and cause problems for others. I also would prefer if someone thought one of my animals was being a nuisance that they at least ask me first prior to notifying authorities. This is because anytime someone thought it was mine … it actually was another neighbors.

Sometimes just a casual discussion can royally help smooth things over. If the neighbor is outside maybe someone should stop by for a conversation and happen to be carrying their cat. The individual over time will possibly become less animal paranoid as they are gently exposed to the various pets.

LOL … my husband is very allergic to cats, but a previous neighbor had two cats and one liked to hang out at our place. Initially he would glare at the cat, but over time and just before we moved he was about ready to adopt and bring the cat along. In essence the cat had great personality and eventually won him over.

A little time and patience can go along way.

This may be an illegal situation not only in the HOA but within the county/city your live in. Plus if this is Common property, the HOA could be on hook for any accidents.

People are overlooking the fact that it is NOT about the animals being trapped as much as it is a danger to CHILDREN or persons. It's like putting a loaded shotgun in your backyard with a string on the trigger. It's purpose might be to kill animlas but does a shotgun unmanned differientate?

This is a risky situation that needs addressed ASAP. The owner should at minumum post a warning about animal traps being in use on their property just to protect themselves. They don't want a claim on their homeowner's insurance for this. It's NOT the brightest of ideas.

I once put dog/cat repellent down in our common area. It's just a granullar substance that you spread with a spreader. You can get it at Kmart/Walmart/Lowes/Home Depot for like $20. It's good for a few weeks if you don't lay it before a rain. It's more humane method but does smell. I got into huge trouble with some owner's because it bothered their sinuses. However, it may be a solution better than dangerous animal traps to discuss with the owner. Otherwise, get the law involved on this one it's outside the HOA's scope. Afterwards, have the BOARD vote at a meeting about trapping to ban it.

There's different kind of trapping. It's okay for "Billy the Exterminator" to trap animals that are considered "Pests". It's okay for a Fur trapper to trap. However, some common sense God gave a Billy Goat, should tell you that you don't put animal traps in your yard without notification or acknowlegement. Especially if that property is considered "Common".

They sell mouse traps at the grocery store...doesn't mean I should set them up in my yard..THINK people...A little prevention can prevent stupid...

Hi Melissa:

Most traps allowed in a city center (other than potentially mouse traps) are generally cages which capture an animal. The individual then takes the captured animal to the local animal shelter to be dealt with appropriately. If it is a domestic animal they keep and allow owner to claim or try to adopt following their guidelines. If it is a wild animal such as possibly a skunk, squirrel, etc. they generally take them out of the city limits and release back into the wild.

I just want to make sure you understand that more than likely they are not in essence traps which could harm the animal or possibly a child. I think that might be where your passion on the issue has arisen.

Hi Melissa:

Most areas allow trapping of animals on your private property. The original poster stated the individual was placing the traps in his backyard. Not sure what you are referencing in harming children or animals in that most traps within a city area are potentially incapable of such harm. I am having a hard time understanding what you are referencing as “dangerous traps”.

Also, there has been absolutely no mention of traps within any common area. In most areas I have lived here in the “wild west” we generally take care of business ourselves and do not in essence hire exterminators/trappers, but instead handle the situation following our proper laws and procedures. In many instances this is picking up a proper cage/trap from the local animal shelter and who in turn picks up the properly trapped animal the next day.