This week the Miss America pageant is taking place at the Mohegan Sun. In 2019 it is important, more than ever, that the contestants embrace and exude compassion and kindness. Unfortunately, one tradition that some of the state chapters partake in is steeped in cruelty. Some states, including Miss New Hampshire, participate in accepting fur coats from the trapping community every year. Here in New Hampshire, this year’s fur coat was made from gray foxes. These little, shy foxes are dwindling in number and should be protected.

Trapping is torturous for the animal that gets trapped. Sometimes trappers will bludgeon, suffocate, or drown the animal to cause death. Why would any young compassionate woman in 2019 want to be involved in such an inherently cruel practice?

There is a petition asking Miss New Hampshire to end this practice and over 137,000 people have signed it. The Miss America organization should take a stand against the practice and urge their contestants to end the tradition of accepting fur coats from trappers.

Thank you to California, a state that has led the way and just this year banned trapping. Let’s hope more states follow suit.

Kristina Snyder

Chester, N.H.