S 823 Bans Cruel Traps Near Homes and Schools [2008]

Bill Description: If passed, this bill would ban the use of steel-jawed leghold traps, Conibear traps, and snares within 100 feet of roads, homes, schools, hiking trails, and other settings. It also would require owner permission to set traps within 500 feet of homes, schools, hiking trails, and other settings. Also, signs must be posted on public lands where trapping is allowed.
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Leghold and Conibear traps and snares are arbitrary and antiquated and they represent a threat to public safety. These devices cause immense suffering as the animals they capture may die of dehydration, starvation, or predation from other animals if the trapper fails to check the device soon after the animal stumbles into it. Furthermore, these devices are not species-selective. They are an indiscriminate killing method that sometimes catches and kills non-target animals, including family cats and dogs and endangered species. As a result, this bill will enhance public safety.