A 9258 Allows the Use of Cruel Snares [2008]

Bill Description: If passed, this bill would allow the use of cruel snares — also called “cable restraint devices” — for commercial and recreational trapping. Under existing law, snares may only be used for “destructive and menacing” wildlife. Snares generally are made of a light wire cable looped through a locking device, and are designed to tighten around the neck or other body part as the snared animal struggles.
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Snares are not species-selective. Instead, they are indiscriminate and sometimes catch and kill non-target animals such as family dogs and cats or endangered species. If not killed by such devices, captured animals can suffer severe physical injury, dehydration, exposure to severe weather, and predation by other animals. Moreover, snaring in water and under ice involves the deliberate drowning of animals, which the American Veterinary Medical Association asserts is an unacceptable form of euthanasia. Snares frequently have to be replaced after each capture due to twisting and strain on the snare cable that results from animals struggling to free themselves. Effective alternatives to the use of snares exist. Instead of allowing the use of snares, these alternatives should be utilized in New York.