AVMA Discourages Use Of Conventional Leghold Traps, Sets Guidelines For Humane Trapping

Main Category: Veterinary
Article Date: 22 May 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) adopted a revised policy on trapping and steel-jawed leghold traps that discourages use of old-fashioned traps in favor of modern, modified traps and techniques that reduce injuries and capture of non-target animals. The revised policy was approved by the AVMA Executive Board on April 12, 2008.

"Our revised policy recognizes some of the advancements that have been made in the design and use of leghold traps. While not perfect, modified traps are less likely to cause severe injury and improvements in their application mean they are more likely to catch target species and less likely to catch non-target species. Modern traps, when used in conjunction with trap monitors and tranquilizers, have substantially reduced the negative welfare effects of leghold traps," explains Dr. Gail Golab, director of the Animal Welfare Division. "This policy sets clear expectations for what is appropriate and what is not when trapping."

Leghold traps utilize a foot plate and two curved bars that close on the leg of an animal via a spring-powered mechanism. The trap is chained to a stake or grappling hook to hold the animal in place. Bone fractures and limb amputations were common adverse effects of being caught in conventional leghold traps. The jaws on today's modified leghold traps are offset so they don't close all the way on the animal's limb and are padded with plastic to mute the sharpness of the gripping edge. Welfare outcomes may also be improved by modifying spring strength, chain length, and using a swivel and/or shock absorber.

Dr. Golab explains that the AVMA policy change was necessary because in some circumstances it may be necessary to trap animals for relocation or study and the leghold trap may be the most efficient (and sometimes only) method of doing so. For example, if wolves or coyotes prey on livestock and are not deterred by non-lethal measures, use of leghold traps can facilitate their movement away from livestock to prevent them from being killed as nuisance animals.

Dr. David Miller, a board-certified zoological veterinarian and member of the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee, explained that some special interest groups oppose the trapping of animals in general, but this can actually compromise animal welfare. Sometimes it is necessary to trap animals. For instance, some conservation projects, such as for river otter restoration efforts, require the use of leghold traps. Consequently, the AVMA's revised policy promotes the use of the most humane traps and techniques.

"The unfortunate reality is that sometimes wildlife needs to be trapped for conservation, to control disease, to prevent damage to the environment, or to avoid risks to human interests. Modified leghold traps are sometimes the only effective way to capture a given species under particular circumstances. It may result in less injury and stress than alternative trapping methods. For these reasons, it is important that leghold traps not be categorically condemned and removed from the list of options," explains Dr. Miller. "The goal was to craft a policy on trapping that favors animal welfare and prevents animal abuse."

The complete revised policy is available for review here, and a backgrounder on the welfare implications of leghold trap use in conservation and research is available here. For more information on the veterinarian's role in protecting animal welfare, please visit http://www.avma.org.

The AVMA and its more than 76,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal, human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at http://www.avma.org for more information.

American Veterinary Medical Association