Stop the Proposed Trapping Stamps

The National Trappers Association is seriously considering petitioning the US Postal Service to run a series of stamps commemorating the contribution of trapping.

The Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee is the body that makes the decisions on the issuance of special commemorative stamps. Please contact the Committee and ask that they deny the NTA’s request on the grounds that trapping is cruelty toward animals and a national embarrassment. Nineteen countries have banned trapping, and the US Postal Service should not honor this disgraceful practice by issuing a trapping-themed postage stamp.

Please write to each of the committee members at the address listed below:

Dr. Virginia M. Noelke, Chairperson;
Dr. C. Douglas Lewis, Vice Chairperson;
Michael R. Brock;
Cary R. Brick;
Meredith J. Davis;
David L. Eynon;
Jean Picker Firstenberg;
Sylvia Harris;
Michael Heyman;
John M. Hotchner;
Karl Malden;
Richard F. Phelps;
Ronald A. Robinson;
Maria E. Santana.

Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
c/o Stamp Development
U.S. Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
Room 5670
Washington, D.C. 20260-2437

Sample Letter:

Please do not honor the petition by the National Trappers Association to honor trappers and animal trapping with a US postage stamp. Trapping is one of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty and the practice should not be recognized in any way.

The widely used steel jaw leghold trap has been deemed inhumane by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and been banned in over 88 countries and several US states. It can break bones, tear tendons and lacerate the skin of the animals unfortunate enough to fall victim to its deadly jaws. Legally placed traps designed to attract other animals have trapped companion dogs and cats, and members of endangered and threatened species.

Animals such as raccoons have been known to gnaw off their feet to escape the clutches of these barbaric devices, often breaking off their teeth as they bite at the steel jaws that hold with a vise-like grip. If an animal is unable to free herself from the trap, she is shot, bludgeoned or strangled to death by the trapper upon his return, which may legally be several days later in certain states.

When examining the effect trapping has on its tiny victims (muskrats killed in traps can weigh less than a pound) it is clear that it is an inhumane, barbaric practice that has no place in a modern, civilized society. The practice is a national embarrassment that should be banned outright, not honored with a postage stamp.

Please do not honor the request of the National Trappers Association in regards to issuing a stamp commemorating trappers and trapping. Your response to my concerns will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

(your name)

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