Update: This bill failed to pass before the session ended.
Bill Description: Under existing Rhode Island law, the use of steel jawed leghold traps is banned. However, an exception is made for their use with a permit to abate an “animal nuisance.” If passed, this bill would eliminate this exception and strengthen the prohibition on leghold traps for commercial or recreational trapping.
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Leghold traps are not species-selective. They are indiscriminate and sometimes catch and kill non-target animals, including family cats and dogs and endangered species. Closing this loophole will serve to further protect family cats and dogs, threatened and endangered species, and even public safety.