SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Heidi, a family pet of 10 years, died alone on a Back Bay island with her front left leg jammed in a trap after she went missing Sunday.

Heidi was found dead in an leg-hold trap on Back Bay on Monday morning. Samantha Merritt's boyfriend found the family pet after she'd gone missing while on a walk on Sunday at around 3 p.m. - Tim Edwards/NNSL photo

Her owners are upset that someone set a leg-hold trap within city limits.

The injured border collie/husky cross was trying to make her way home, but succumbed in the cold and was possibly attacked by a coyote while stuck in the trap and vulnerable.

"I think this was really not a nice (way) for her to end her life - looking for us, trying to get home. I think that's really sad," said Ute Merritt. "She was there all night (in the cold) and she's not an outdoor dog."

The Merritt family had rescued Heidi as a stray, having found her at the Northern end of Ndilo 10 years ago.

Jim and Ute Merritt had taken Heidi out for a walk with their other dog, Sasha, near the three islands off the east shore of Latham Island on Sunday afternoon. When they turned back for home, Heidi wouldn't come to their calls.

"It's not uncommon for her to go off on her own (during walks)," said Jim. "Once a month she has a little journey."

They returned a few times that night to look for their dog, but to no avail. The next morning their daughter Samantha's boyfriend discovered Heidi dead in the snow on one of the three islands. She had a wound in her gut, near the hip, and her leg was ensnared in a trap.

The trap had been attached to a small tree, and Jim said it looked as if the dog had dragged the tree from one end of the set of islands to the other. The cause of the stomach wound is unknown, but Jim thinks it might be from a coyote.

He and Ute said this is not only tragic for the family, but it raises a safety concern for the area, which is within city boundaries and which they say is a high-traffic area for dog-walkers and families.

"When we went walking in the afternoon we saw at least two or three other dogs and families in the area," said Ute.

The person who set the trap could be charged under the city snare and trap bylaw, which forbids for snaring or trapping within one km of a residence or business within city boundaries without permission. This offence could result in a summary conviction and a fine of up to $2,000.

Yellowknifer was unable to get information on the legality of the trap itself from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as the investigation was in progress. The type of trap involved, not commonly used anymore, is sometimes set for foxes.

Judy McLinton, public affairs officer for the department, did advise residents to keep their animals leashed when walking near the bush.

Nicole Spencer, president of the NWT SPCA, urged anyone with information on the incident to contact the RCMP.

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