Legislation to end the use of steel-jawed leghold traps on animals in the United States

Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Representative Chris Shays (R-CT) introduced legislation, H.R. 1691, The Inhumane Trapping Prevention Act, to end the use of conventional steel-jawed leghold traps on animals in the United States.

The non-selective and highly destructive steel jaw leghold trap is the most common type of trap used on the millions of animals killed for their fur each year in the US. Victims suffer excruciating pain and fear as they tear ligaments and break teeth in their struggle to free themselves from the bone crushing trap. SAPL and its parent organization, Animal Welfare Institute, are campaigning vigorously against the steel trap in this country and abroad.

The World Veterinary Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association have condemned use of steel jaw leghold traps as inhumane. According to a US Fish and Wildlife Service study conducted at Yale University, 78% of the American public is opposed to use of leghold traps.

The European Union (EU) banned use of the barbaric steel jaw leghold trap so that 88 countries now prohibit their use. Nobly, the EU went a step further; the EU law also prohibits import of furs from countries that use steel jaw traps. On December 11, 1997, in response to this European law, the US Trade Representative reached an “Understanding” with the EU in which the US agreed to end use of “all jaw-type leghold restraining traps” by 2002 on muskrat and nutria and to phase out use of “conventional steel-jawed leghold restraining traps” by 2004. Adoption of HR 1800 would ensure that the US fulfills its commitment to the EU.

Legislation will make it unlawful to:

• import, export, or transport in interstate commerce conventional steel-jawed leghold traps and articles of fur derived from animals trapped in such traps;
  
• or sell or acquire such a trap transported in violation of such provision.

The Bill also prescribes criminal penalties for violations.

Please contact your Representative and urge her/him to cosponsor H.R. 1691, The Inhumane Trapping Prevention Act.  To find your member click here.

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For More Information:

- Legislative Information provided by the Library of Congress. Search Congressional records and legislation for current and previous years.  Find your member of Congress and their contact information.

Please visit the Animal Welfare Institute's website for more information about this and many other important issues.