But instead of a fox, the trap killed his neighbour's beloved dog Sam.

Magrum is charged with setting a trap within one kilometre of a local residence.

Dave Edwards and his girlfriend were walking their dog on Dec. 18. They heard Sam yelping and screaming and were horrified to discover he was ensnared in a quick-kill trap.

Unable to free him, they called Yellowknife Municipal Enforcement and the RCMP.

The dog suffered for a short period and died in the hands of its owners. The emotionally distraught couple were taken home. A short time later, the body was delivered to them in a blanket and they were overtaken by emotion.

Edwards read an emotional victim impact statement to the court. "I loved my dog Sam with all my heart," he said. "He was a wonderful dog with personality."

Edwards said it's been a month since Sam died, but the pain in his heart has not diminished. "With time we will heal and the memories of Sam will only be good. But that is a ways off yet."

He doesn't hold a grudge against Magrum but asked the court to send a strong message to the public.

"I've been told he is a good person. I believe this. I believe there was no bad intent."

Yellowknife Municipal Enforcement is considering the incident a serious safety issue, especially because it happened so close to a school.

Magrum, who traps for a living during the winter, didn't know setting the trap was illegal. It hadn't occurred to him the trap could endanger children.

"I've never seen kids in that area. But thinking about it, it is quite dangerous."

Municipal Enforcement asked for a fine of between $500 and $1,000. The maximum fine is $2,000.

Justice of the Peace Fred Wittlinger adjourned the matter for sentencing till Feb.6 at 6 p.m.