I got a phone call on this issue from the GF about 2 weeks ago and had a great conversation with the biologist out of Jackson on this.
First off, I made sure that he realized that trapping is a great way to manage furbearers and predators. I have done a lot of trapping over the years, but just don't have the time to do it like I used to. While trapping in Montana I trapped every furbearer. including lynx, in the State that was legal at the time with the exception of wolverine.
What I talked about was the way that trapping challenges a person to become very familiar with the animals you're pursuing. You have to set a trap, to target a specific animal down to where they are going to either set their foot or walk through. Way more intimate knowledge of animal behavior, knowledge of furbearers and predators is required to be successful. You don't just slam a trap on the ground somewhere and call it trapping.
That said, I encouraged education rather than regulation on both sides.
For trappers, in particular new trappers, I think required trappers education is a must. We don't let hunters born past a certain date to hunt without hunters safety, I see no reason to not have the same requirement for trapping. Discuss proper trap placement, set backs, proper trap to use and where, etc. Focus on the need to use your head for something other than a hat rack when setting near high use areas, etc.
For pet owners/non trappers I also think they should be educated as well, perhaps even take the course at the same time. Educate them on how to release the traps if their dogs happen to get in one. Educate them on the how and where its more likely for trappers to have snares/traps set and to avoid those areas during trapping season. Trapping season dates, when its most likely to have increased trapping activity, etc. etc. In areas where they aren't sure, maybe recommend/require leashes.
This issue doesn't have to be an "Us" vs. "Them" situation and before we start asking for tons more regulation, I recommended focusing on working together on the education piece.
That was my recommendation as I don't want to see trapping become more regulated, but I also don't want to see people's pets getting killed either.
There is room for improvement and education on both sides of this issue, lets get together and make some positive change.