Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY)
and Representative Chris Shays (R-CT) introduced legislation,
H.R.
1691, The Inhumane Trapping Prevention Act,
to end the use of conventional steel-jawed leghold traps on animals
in the United States.
The non-selective and highly destructive steel-jaw leghold trap
is the most common type of trap used on the millions of animals
killed for their fur each year in the US. Victims suffer
excruciating pain and fear as they tear ligaments and break
teeth in their struggle to free themselves from the bone
crushing trap. The Animal Welfare
Institute is campaigning vigorously against the steel trap in
this country and abroad.
The World Veterinary Association, the American Veterinary Medical
Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association have
condemned use of steel-jaw leghold traps as inhumane. According to a
US Fish and Wildlife Service study conducted at Yale University, 78%
of the American public is opposed to use of leghold traps.
The European Union (EU) banned use of the barbaric steel-jaw leghold trap so that 88 countries now prohibit their use. Nobly, the
EU went a step further; the EU law also prohibits import of furs
from countries that use steel-jaw traps. On December 11, 1997, in
response to this European law, the US Trade Representative reached
an “Understanding” with the EU in which the US agreed to end use of
“all jaw-type leghold restraining traps” by 2002 on muskrat and
nutria and to phase out use of “conventional steel-jawed leghold
restraining traps” by 2004. Adoption of H.R. 1691 would ensure that
the US fulfills its commitment to the EU.
Legislation will make it unlawful to:
- import, export, or transport in interstate commerce
conventional steel-jawed leghold traps and articles of fur
derived from animals trapped in such traps;
- or sell or acquire such a trap transported in violation of
such provision.
The Bill also prescribes criminal penalties for violations.
Please contact your Representative and urge her/him to cosponsor
H.R. 1691, The Inhumane Trapping Prevention Act.
