NHARL joined with other animal rights groups outside the Miss New Hampshire competition to protest the awarding of a fur coat to the winner. Kristina Snyder led the initiative and was quoted by the Eagle Tribune:
“It is time that the Miss New Hampshire Organization and indeed Miss America’s as well, takes a stand against cruelty to animals and says ‘no’ to this fur coat… These young women are supposed to reflect today’s society and trends. They should show independence, compassion, and caring towards animals. By staying stuck in the past and accepting a fur coat made from tortured animals, instead it shows a regressive stance by this organization.”
Leghold traps are modern-day torture devices. New Hampshire trappers remove important predators from the ecosystem, including coyotes and foxes which help control Lyme disease.
Leghold traps do not discriminate, often trapping non-target animals. Pets as well as endangered/threatened species, such as American bald eagles and the New England cottontail rabbits, have all been victims of these cruel traps.