Wildlife official’s bobcat video riles animal rights activists

Clark County commissioners want to know why a wildlife board member they appointed shot a video of his dog barking and lunging at a bobcat caught in a leg trap.

Animals rights activists are calling for the removal of Tracy Truman, a trapping expert who sits on the county Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife, composed of sportsmen, farmers and ranchers who advise the Nevada Wildlife Commission on wildlife matters. The statewide commission sets regulations and establishes policies on wildlife matters.

Truman, a local attorney, said he posted the video last month in an online trapping forum as an educational tool to show other trappers that a dog doesn't have to make contact with a trapped animal.

"This particular video was completely taken out of context," Truman said. "This was something I had taken to show other people that you didn't have to have an animal that would do damage to a trapped animal, and now, I'm sort of being painted as the cruel and inhumane one because I took the video to show something exactly the opposite."

In the December video shot in the Spring Mountains, the bobcat is held by one leg in a smooth trap -- meaning it has no teeth clamping down on the leg -- and connected to a chain. Truman's hand appears in the video holding part of the chain while his dog barks relentlessly at the bobcat, which takes a few swipes at the dog. The animals never make contact with each other in the minute-long video, which is now posted on YouTube.

Truman, who said he didn't authorize the YouTube posting, said he is holding onto the chain, unraveling it from a bush and pulling it toward his body so there's more slack on the chain. The bobcat appears to be dragged by the chain at one point when it tries to make contact with Truman's dog.

Gina Greisen, president of Nevada Voters for Animals, called the video "cruel and barbaric."

"Trapping is barbaric, archaic and not even a sport," Greisen said. "When you shoot an animal, that's one thing, but an animal can be starving and suffering in a trap for 96 hours. According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife website, common violations are not checking a trap, and the animal starves to death in the trap."

Greisen said she and the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society will push for more stringent limitations on trapping and maybe push to outlaw trapping statewide. She expects other animal rights activists to join their cause.

Karen Layne, Humane Society president, said that while she would support outlawing trapping in the county, it might be difficult to ban it statewide.

Commissioner Tom Collins said the video was meant to show a positive way to train trapping dogs.

"That's what you want them to learn how to do," Collins said. "You want a dog that faces off the animal that doesn't maul it or gets scarred up. You don't want vet bills for the dog getting all clawed up."

Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani disagreed, calling the video "disgusting" and said it brings to light the demand for trapping in the county.

"The appointment made is reflected on the commission," Giunchigliani said. "Trapping is allowed, and we should be aware of what folks are doing that are acting under our authority. He should be asked to come forward and talk with the commissioners about what happened and what his role is on the wildlife commission."

A meeting has not been set between the commission and Truman.

The demand for trapping, which has been documented in Nevada since the late 1820s, is made clear by the Nevada Trappers Association -- Truman, a 40-year trapper, is vice president of the organization. According to the group's website, bobcat fur was in high demand last year during an annual fur sale in Fallon, where 200 fur harvesters representing more than 12 states participated. More than 2,000 bobcat pelts ranging from $443 to $1,111 were sold. More than 1,500 coyote, gray fox and muskrat furs also were sold. Once the animals are killed and skinned, their pelts can be used to make fur coats.

Commissioner Steve Sisolak said the video was "disturbing, troubling and offensive," and said he has talked to county staff about causes for removing committee members.

"It's extremely troubling to see an animal in that type of distress," Sisolak said. "This is cause for explanation, absolutely. ... I didn't hear any caveat on that video about 'do not attempt this at home, this is an educational trapping video.' This seemed to be just mean. It's disheartening. Mr. Truman has some questions to answer."

Contact reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.