Born Free USA applauds the passage of California Assembly Bill 273, which amends the Fish and Game Code, prohibiting commercial and recreational trapping for fur within the state. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, the bill will prohibit trapping of native animals including grey fox, coyote, beaver, badger, and mink, along with the sale of their pelts, making California the first state in the nation to ban fur trapping.
Angela Grimes, Born Free USA CEO, says:
“Each year, millions of animals across the United States suffer and die in cruel traps. Before dying, either in the trap or at the hands of the trapper, animals experience terrible pain. They are prone to shock, dehydration, and predation by other animals, and have even been known to gnaw off their own limbs in order to escape. And, it is not just target animals who suffer; Born Free USA’s Non-Target Trapping Incidents Database has cataloged scores of incidents involving domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, endangered species, and even humans being caught in traps. The passage of this bill in California is a major victory that Born Free USA calls on other states and municipalities to emulate.”
A.B. 273 is not the only pro-wildlife bill making progress in California. Another bill, A.B. 44, which would ban the sale, display, trade, give, donate, and distribution of fur products in the state, is currently before the California Senate. We encourage lawmakers to vote in favor of this compassionate legislation, too.
To learn more about trapping, and Born Free USA’s work to stop this cruel and archaic practice, please visit Born Free USA’s website.