This petition addresses the banning of all jaw foot or leg hold traps

Approximately 10 million animals are trapped and killed worldwide each year for fur. Animals caught in traps suffer immensely while waiting for the trapper to come and kill them. Numerous research studies have shown that traps do not kill their target-victim instantly, leaving the animal caught in the trap to suffer extremely before the trapper kills the animal.

In Neolithic days, hunters relied on trapping for food & fur for clothing.  However, with the Neolithic era far behind us, the use of this primitive method of hunting for food or fur is archaic, outdated and especially cruel.

Additionally, traps lack discrimination. For every intended victim of a trap, it is estimated that there are approximately 2 to 10 unintended victims. This includes any species of birds or wildlife. Moreover, cats, dogs, and even humans can fall victim to traps. Most often after they are caught, the unintended victim is found to have suffered significant shock, trauma, or injury. They are maimed, mutilated, or have already died as a result of being caught in the trap.

Here are several types of traps STILL used in today’s “Advanced” society:

Steel-jaw leg-hold trap (unpadded) is the most commonly used trap in the USA by commercial and recreational fur trappers. Triggered by a pan-tension device, the weight of an animal stepping between the jaws of the trap causes the jaws to slam shut on the victim’s leg, or other body part, in a vice-like grip.

Padded leg-hold trap are commonly used humane alternative to the steel jaw version. However, the only distinctive difference between the two traps is that the padded leg-hold trap has a thin strip of rubber attached to the trap jaws.

Snare traps are either body/neck or foot snares. They are usually made of light wire cable looped through a locking device or of a small nylon cord tied so that it will tighten as the animal pulls against it. The more a snared animal struggles, the tighter the noose becomes, the tighter the noose, the greater the animal’s struggle and suffering.

The Conibear trap consists of two metal rectangles hinged together midway on the long side to open and close like scissors. One jaw has a trigger that can be baited. The opposite jaw has a catch or “dog” that holds the trap open.

There are safer and less expensive alternatives, but even with live traps, animals can be injured by trying to bite or claw their way out. But the harm is significantly less severe than conventional traps.

In conclusion: We The People who have signed this petition deem and insist that the use of any & all jaw foot or leg hold traps (padded or unpadded), body gripping traps, snare traps, and conibear traps be banned from use in the United States.

Further, poachers found using these types of traps will be charged with Felony Animal Cruelty charges and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.