FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, September 19, 1997
CONTACT:
Marion Stark, 518-439-2631
ALBANY, N.Y. -- In a letter to Governor George Pataki, Bill Maher of ABC's "Politically Incorrect" wrote today, "I am shocked to learn that traps are legally placed in areas where families and pets hike, bike and swim. Watching a family pet choke to death is definitely not a warm memory. Valentine was a sweetheart of a dog. I urge Governor Pataki to create a trap free zone of at least 500 feet from recreational paths because it's the politically correct thing to do and will protect pets and children."
Valentine, an abused dog who was found starved and with broken bones, was nursed back to health and promised by her new owner that no one would ever hurt her again. However, she met a gruesome death. Valentine was caught in a Conibear trap and died screaming before her beloved family's horrified eyes as they were jogging in a recreational area. This area is open to the public and used to jog, walk, bike and wade in the water. It is currently legal in New York State to place traps virtually everywhere except on public highways and 100 feet from schools or churches.
