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City and State Trapping Bans

Traps and snares, especially the archaic steel-jaw leghold trap, have been so publicly maligned in the United States that many believe they have been banned nationwide. Far from it.

Although the number of active trappers and the number of animals who fall victim to these inhumane devices have declined, the United States remains one of the top—and also one of the only—trapping nations in the world. Unfortunately, the leghold trap is still the most commonly used trap in the United States, despite the reported 74% of Americans who want this method banned (according a poll by the Caravan Opinion Research Corporation in October 1996).

State Trapping Bans

Washington (2000 ballot initiative)—Citizens voted in favor (55%) of banning the use of leghold traps, other body-gripping traps, and snares for recreation and commerce in fur. In May 2003, the governor vetoed a rollback of the ban.
California (1998 ballot initiative)—Voters supported (57%) Proposition 4, which banned the use of leghold traps, other body-gripping traps, and snares for recreation and commerce in fur.
Massachusetts (1996 ballot initiative)—Voters passed (64%) The Wildlife Protection Act, banning the use of leghold traps, other body-gripping traps, and snares for capturing fur-bearing animals.
Colorado (1992 ballot initiative)—Citizens voted in favor (52%) of a constitutional amendment banning the use of leghold, other body-griping traps and snares.
Arizona (1992 ballot initiative)—Voters (58%) enacted a ban on the use of leghold traps, other body-gripping traps, and snares on public land—which makes up 80% of the state.
New Jersey (1986 legislation)—The New Jersey legislature banned both possession and use of leghold traps, making it the most restrictive of the leghold trap bans.
Rhode Island (1977 legislation)—Rhode Island legislators banned the use of the leghold trap to capture any animal.
Florida (1974 regulation)—The Florida Fish and Game Commission enacted a regulation prohibiting the use of any steel or leghold trap where wildlife might be found.

City Trapping Bans

Columbia, Maryland (2003 city ordinance)—The city council unanimously voted to ban leghold traps.
Nashua, New Hampshire (1994 city ordinance)—The city council passed a ban on the use of leghold traps and other body-gripping traps and snares.
Two Harbors, Minnesota (1990 city ordinance)—The city council voted to ban the leghold trap throughout most of the city.
St. Paul, Minnesota (1985 city ordinance)—The city council unanimously voted to ban all lethal trapping and the sale of all lethal traps.

Veterinary Organizations That Oppose Leghold Traps

American Veterinary Medical Association
World Veterinary Association
American Animal Hospital Association

Groups and individuals concerned about animal suffering have been instrumental in banning cruel traps in scores of communities around the country. If you are interested in learning more about campaigning against the use of the deadly traps in your community, please send an e-mail to furfree@hsus.org.

See the Video

Fur Shame

Trapping Dangers for Pets

Trapping: The Inside Story

Fur Free Alliance