What is a Missy Trap
The Missy Trap, named after a former puppy mill dog who was successfully captured using the device, is an innovative and versatile trap designed to catch lost or skittish dogs that might not respond to conventional trapping methods. Created by Greg James, the founder and director of Retrievers, the Missy Trap has quickly gained recognition among animal rescue organizations and pet owners alike for its efficacy and adaptability.
The Missy Trap is constructed using horse fence panels, which can be easily sourced from farm supply stores. This modular design allows the trap to be disassembled for transport and reassembled in the field using quick clips, making it a convenient and portable solution for rescuers and pet owners. The trap can be triggered through various methods, including hanging bait, pressure plates, and electromagnet release systems, allowing users to tailor the trap to the specific needs and behavior of the dog they are trying to capture.
One of the key advantages of the Missy Trap is its adaptability. The modular design means that the trap can be customized to accommodate different sizes and breeds of dogs. For example, a gate panel with a taller door can be used for giant breed dogs such as Great Danes, mastiffs, and St. Bernards, ensuring that the trap remains effective and humane for all kinds of dogs.
In the spirit of collaboration and helping more lost dogs find their way home, the Missy Trap design is freely shared with the public. A detailed video tutorial on building your own Missy Trap can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJHopwBt2R8&t=251s. By making this information accessible, the creators of the Missy Trap hope to encourage more people to use this innovative method to catch skittish dogs, ultimately increasing the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families.
The Missy Trap represents a significant advancement in the field of animal rescue and pet recovery. Its versatile and adaptable design allows users to effectively capture skittish dogs that may not respond to traditional trapping methods, ultimately increasing the likelihood of reuniting lost pets with their owners. By sharing the design and construction details of the Missy Trap, its creators hope to inspire more people to adopt this innovative method, making a real difference in the lives of lost dogs and their families.
How to make a Missy Trap
Based on the video transcript, here are the step-by-step instructions to build a Missy Trap (Missy 4) using a pre-constructed commercially available dog kennel:
Purchase a commercially available dog kennel (typically 4×8 feet) and additional panels to extend the length to almost 12 feet.
Replace the square clamps that come with the kennel with round saddle clamps to provide more flexibility in the panel angles.
Assemble the kennel panels, including the extra panels for length, and attach them using the saddle clamps.
Cover the top of the kennel with a net to prevent dogs from escaping over the panels.
Set up the Rate Ripper triggering mechanism at the back of the trap, including a light beam sensor, an electromagnet, and a 12-volt battery.
Attach the gate to the kennel so that it opens next to the side panel.
Cut small blocks of wood (1×4 inches) to attach gate latches to the inside of the gate.
Bolt the wooden blocks to the inside of the gate using hex nut bolts, washers, and nuts.
Screw three gate latches onto the wooden blocks, positioning one latch in the middle, one at the top, and one at the bottom of the gate.
Attach the latch clips to the gate latches, ensuring they are straight and secure.
Test the trap by walking through the light beam sensor to ensure that the gate closes properly when the electromagnet is deactivated.
Remember that this is a summary of a transcript from a video and might not include all necessary details. It is essential to watch the video or consult other resources for further clarification and additional information.
