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Trap Research and Development

Canada's pioneering trap research and development program is coordinated by the Fur Institute of Canada and conducted in collaboration with the laboratories of InnoTech Alberta.

Thank You For Contributing

We have already received a generous donation of $1400 to contribute to this fundraiser, originating from another Trappers Association in Canada!

Modified Traps Fundraiser

There is an ongoing fundraiser to test a variety of modified humane restraining traps, specifically for coyote, tested by the Fur Institute of Canada in an attempt to pass the Canadian Standards process to determine if they will qualify for use in Canada under the AIHTS.

FIC Deadline - Nov 1, 2024

Currently the Fur Institute of Canada has offered manufacturers, retailers and/or interested parties a special offer to economically test traps for coyote.

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Traps that are to be tested under this special offer must fall within specific parameters to ensure that within this offer/process, nobody is wasting money or time and other such precious resources in this effort.

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The window is short.

Currently, funds are required by November 1, 2024, so if we are to fundraise this, we need to step up and get this done quickly.

Coyote Specific

Most species of Canadian furbearers have had numerous traps pass the standards process, however the coyote and related traps have fallen behind. Very few traps have passed over the years for coyote while the standard/process was in development for the testing of restraining devices for this species. Initially, Canadian and American test data was to be shared but it was later decided that Canadian data only would be considered. The problem has been recently further complicated due to the Woodstream Corporation discontinuing it’s manufacture of animal traps, of which included three models of restraining traps for coyote that had passed the standards process. Thus, at this time the Canadian trappers need more options for coyote restraining traps.

Background

In 1991, the European Union initiated a law that would ban leghold traps in Europe as well as ban the importation of wild fur from countries that continued to use traps deemed as such. Since that time, a set of standards was developed, specifically the Agreement of International Trap Standards (AIHTS) which gained recognition by the ISO, which is an internationally accepted non-governmental body, namely the International Organization for Standardization. These standards obligated Canada to implement the use of recognized humane traps only, that being traps which would pass intense the criteria set out in the process As it is now 2024, it is what it is, the Canadian government and trappers all have legal obligations to live under.

If you’d like more information about the fundraiser above, please reach out to 780-349-6626 for specific team contacts

Fur Institute of Canada - Modern Trapping Technologies 

 

Canada's pioneering trap research and development program is coordinated by the Fur Institute of Canada and conducted in collaboration with the laboratories of InnoTech Alberta.

 

An experienced team of scientists, veterinarians, wildlife biologists, engineers, statisticians and technicians, follow rigorous research protocols, ensuring the scientific credibility of test results.

 

About Canada’s Trap Research 

and Testing Program

 

Over the years trappers have sought to improve their traps so they would be both humane and capture-efficient. Trap performance can only be verified through a comprehensive scientific process to evaluate all components of a trapping system.

 

Canada’s state-of-the-art trap research facilities

Trap performance can only be verified through a comprehensive scientific process to evaluate all components of a trapping system. Canada’s trap research, testing and development program, led by the Fur Institute of Canada, is the most advanced in the world. As a result, the Institute has gained recognized expertise and a comprehensive database on animal welfare related to trapping systems.

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As the Institute’s research partner, the Alberta Innovates Technology Futures provides the scientists and laboratory controls needed to test trap performance and to collect the data necessary to ensure their compliance with the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS).

Results from this facility are being used internationally by manufacturers, government regulators, wildlife scientists and trappers.

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The Institute’s Vegreville Alberta research facility was completed in 1984 at a cost of over $l million. It was specifically designed to enable teams of scientists, engineers, statisticians and technicians to scientifically measure and improve the welfare of animals related to trapping and to advance trap testing methods. All animals housed in the research facility for the testing of traps are cared for and used in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Council on Animal Care that oversees the use of animals in research and testing.

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Certified Traps Info - Click Here 

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