Update: This bill did not receive the support of the committee to which it was assigned.
Bill Description: This bill would weaken existing law by repealing the ban on Conibear traps. The bill also expands the human health and safety exceptions to allow the use of leghold traps and snares by government officials.
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Conibear traps are cruel and antiquated devices that cause immense suffering as the animals they capture may die of dehydration, starvation, or predation from other animals if the trapper fails to check the device soon after the animal stumbles into it. Moreover, the use of these devices in water and under ice involves the deliberate drowning of animals, which the American Veterinary Medical Association asserts is an unacceptable form of euthanasia (putting animals to death). The broadscale, statewide use of these devices should not be legalized.