NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A667
SPONSOR: Rosenthal (MS) TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
prohibiting the use of leg-gripping traps
PURPOSE:
To prohibit the use of wildlife leg-gripping traps.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends subdivisions 5 and 6 of 11-1101 of the environmental
conservation law.
Section two amends subdivision 7 of section 11-1901 of the environmental
conservation law. Section three amends subdivision 9 of section 11-1903
of the environmental conservation law. Section four sets forth the
effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Wildlife trapping is an activity licensed by the New York State Depart-
ment of Environmental Conservation. The state license allows individuals
to trap furbearing animals, such as beavers, raccoons, foxes and coyotes
to produce fur products. Despite the availability of more humane alter-
natives, such as box or cage traps, many trappers still use steel leg-
gripping traps, also known as foothold traps. These traps are triggered
by springs once an animal steps onto the trap, quickly clamping onto
their limb and holding them in place until they are discovered by the
trapper. In some regions of New York State, it may be up to 48 hours
before a trapper checks on a trap.
Animals caught in leg-gripping traps are immobilized, and therefore are
unable to move, eat or drink, care for their young or defend themselves
from predators. In some cases, animals have even been discovered chewing
off their trapped limb in order to escape. The American Veterinary
Medical Association is opposed to their use.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A.110 - Referred to Environmental Conservation; S.1619 -
Referred to Environmental Conservation
2021-22: A.3467 - Referred to Environmental Conservation; S.4459 -
Referred to Environmental Conservation
2019-20: A.8733 - Referred to Environmental Conservation
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Undetermined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect in 30 days.
