Update: This bill sailed through the legislative process and was signed into law by the Governor on March 3, 2008.
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would extend the required time for checking underwater Conibear traps from daily to every 72 hours.
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Conibear traps consist of two metal rectangles hinged together that snap shut on the captured animal’s spine or other body part. While intended as “instant kill” devices, studies indicate that most animals do not die quickly in the Conibear trap and instead endure prolonged suffering. Virginia is one of 35 states that requires traps to be checked either “daily” or every 24 hours. By reducing — instead of increasing — the regulation of trappers who use Conibears, this legislation goes in the wrong direction. This bill was attempted unsuccessfully in 2006 and the same problems with this bill exist today. It should be opposed.