MISSY TRAP

The Missy Trap is named for the former puppy mill dog who was captured in it after she had refused to enter a conventional small trap. Constructed of horse fence panels, which can be purchased at farm supply stores, the trap can be triggered with a variety of methods, including hanging bait, photoelectric sensor and manual electromagnet release. Because it is modular by design, the Missy Trap can be broken down flat for transport and reassembled in the field using spring clips.

The Missy Trap design is freely shared in the hopes of being widely used to help more lost dogs get home.

OVERVIEW

VERSION HISTORY

1st Generation — June 2013: Invented by Greg James. Used livestock panels with 4″ square mesh and a hanging bait system to trigger a top-swing gate. 1st Gen Missy Video Tutorial

2nd Generation — March 2014: Replaced hanging bait with Raytripper sensor/magnet system, designed by Greg James.

3rd Generation — January 2018: Livestock panels have a smaller (2″x4″) mesh. Top-swing door replaced by side-swinging gate. Raytripper encased in plastic box and mounted on the outside of the trap. Modifications by Devon Thomas Treadwell.

STEP 1: CUT THE PANELS

You’ll need two 16′ livestock panels, 60″ tall with a 2″ x 4″ mesh. Using an angle grinder with a metal cut-off wheel, cut the panels to the following pattern:

NOTE:

The two extra 26″ panels can be added to the side panels to lengthen the trap, either for special cases or as your standard trap configuration. It never hurts to have more distance from the back of the trap to the gate, particularly if you’re using a Raytripper to trigger it.

STEP 2: BUILD THE GATE

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE

(TBD)

PARTS LIST

Below is a complete list of parts, supplies and tools needed to build your own Missy Trap. Links are provided to online retailers to show exactly what we recommend, but it may be more cost-effective to purchase common items from a local hardware store. With some items, you’ll have parts leftover, which will reduce the cost of making a second trap.

APPROX. COST