WASHINGTON— Condemning the use of a dangerous animal trap within a heavily populated area, The Humane Society of the United States is applauding the Washington Humane Society's investigation into cruelty charges for a case in which a cat was severely injured when caught in a leghold trap that was set for a fox.
The Washington Humane Society, the District of Columbia's humane law enforcement agency, is investigating the incident which occurred at the Brentwood Postal Facility in Northeast, D.C. last week. The society believes that the use of this type of trap violates the city's cruelty statute and is working with the U.S. Attorney's office on the case.
"Steel-jawed leghold traps are like landmines, maiming or killing any animal, or even child, who might step into their path," said Michael Markarian, HSUS executive vice president. "There is no justification for using this notoriously cruel and indiscriminate device, especially in heavily populated areas like Washington, D.C."
The kitten survived but other animals are not so lucky. Each year, thousands of animals are caught in such traps and often endure painful suffering and even death. Leghold traps are still widely used in the United States, despite being banned in more than 80 other countries. They injure and kill thousands of "non-target" animals—domestic dogs and cats, rabbits, deer, songbirds, raptors and even endangered species.
Injuries from leghold traps can be so severe that the injured limb of a trapped animal must be amputated. In this case, the kitten reportedly suffered a crushed front leg and could still face this fate. Both the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association have declared the leghold trap to be inhumane.
These devices are severely restricted or banned outright in eight states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Washington state. However, they still are the most commonly used trap in the United States.
Laws regulating trapping are often decided at the local level. In Maryland, leghold traps are illegal for commercial and recreational use in Montgomery, Baltimore, Prince Georges, Anne Arundel and Howard counties. Howard County officials passed its law earlier this year. Columbia outlawed leghold traps in 2003. Indiscriminately placed traps have also posed problems in other parts of the Metro area.
The HSUS has received numerous trapping case reports from veterinarians and pet owners in both Maryland and Virginia over the years, including from Howard, Montgomery, Calvert, Frederick, Prince Georges counties in Maryland and Fairfax, Loudon and Prince William counties in Virginia.
For more information on humane ways to live with wildlife in your community, visit the Wild Neighbors web site at www.wildneighbors.org .
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly 10 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country. The HSUS is on the web at www.hsus.org .
