December 8, 2012
From Articles.AberdeenNedws.com
A Columbia man who faced more than 70 counts of failing to properly check muskrat traps has admitted to six misdemeanor violations.
State law requires trappers to check their traps at least every two days to ensure that trapped animals aren’t suffering and that the equipment is working properly. Kerry L. Hansen, 58, pleaded guilty to six counts of failing to properly check traps. In exchange, 68 other counts of failure to properly check traps and two counts of trapping muskrats out of season were dismissed.
Hansen received the same sentence on each charge — a 30-day suspended jail term and $631 in fines and fees. In all, he must pay $3,786 in fines and fees. He must spend six months on probation.