Iahts (ec usa) evidences of violations lav complaint
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Transcript of Iahts (ec usa) evidences of violations lav complaint
International Agreement on Humane Trapping Standards
EC-USA
Evidences of violations
(2012)
Simone Pavesi
LAV Fur-Free Campaigner
Carla Campanaro
LAV Legal counsel
and
Monica Engebretson
Born Free USA
Pagina 2 di 27
INDEX
INTRODUCTION AND REQUESTS OF INTERVENE pag. 3
Ch.1 VIDEO-PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION:
“VICTIMS OF VANITY – U.S. TRAPPING REPORT”
pag. 6
Ch. 2 COLLATERAL VICTIMS: NON TARGET INCIDENTS pag. 8
Ch. 3 SCIENTIFIC CLAIMS
3.1 Sierra Club’s policy on trapping of wildlife
3.2 Criticality of the main capture devices
pag.16
pag. 16
pag. 17
Ch. 4 REGULATION IN THE FEDERATED STATES pag.19
Ch. 5 WILD FUR TRADE pag.21
Ch. 6 AFWA FUR HARVEST 1970-2012 pag.23
Annex and References pag.24
Pagina 3 di 27
INTRODUCTION AND REQUESTS OF INTERVENE
Main purpose of this report is to highlight that the ways in which animals are captured in the United States of
America, are incompatible with European legislation that expressly prohibits the use of leghold traps and the
International Agreement on Humane Trapping Standards and, to provide the information necessary in order
to take measures on this issue.
Trapping of animals with the purpose of producing fur constitutes 15% of the supply chain in the worldwide
fur industry (for an indicative amount of 10 million skins per year).
The target species of this practice include: bobcat, coyotes, raccoon, opossum, and many others.
Methods of capture and killing are varied depending on the species and regulations in force in the country
where these animals live. With regard to Europe, in 1991 the Community legislator, with the Council
Regulation (EEC) n.3254, banned the use of leghold traps in the Community, but also the introduction into
the Community market of pelts and manufactured goods of certain wild animal species originating in
countries which catch them by using traps or methods that do not comply with internationally agreed upon
"humane" trapping practices.
In relation to agreed standards at international level, in 1998 the European Union reached an International
Agreement (OJ L42/43 of 14 February 1998) in the field of standards for catches so-called "humane" with
Canada and the Russian Federation and an Agreed Minutes (OJ L219/26 of 7 August 1998), of the same
content, with the United States of America.
Following the respective ratifications Canada, Russia and the United States can now export to the European
Union furs obtained from animals captured in the wild, in line with their commitment to implement the
provisions of the Agreement.
The purpose of these agreements is to ensure a sufficient level of welfare of trapped animals and find new
ways to improve it further. Methods of achieving this via specific capture devices were not identified, rather
indicators were defined to determine the welfare of trapped animals including physiology, injury and
behavior. So, in order to determine whether a method of trapping meets agreed standards, thereby allowing
the fur of an animal caught in that way to be introduced into the European market, the welfare of the animal
should be considered based on certain indicators therein.
Similarly, to assess whether a method of killing a trapped animal meets the agreed standards, is to assess
parameters related to the time required for the animal to reach a state of unconsciousness and insensibility
to pain.
These international standards apply to a list of species reported into the agreements and for which the
United States, Canada and the Russian Federation have been so authorized to export to Europe.
Facts
In early 2011, the organization Born Free USA (which is associated with the homonymous international
foundation founded in England in 1984 and advocates for the protection and conservation of wildlife),
released an undercover investigation conducted in the United States of America to document practices of
capture and killing of animals used for fur.
The video-photographic documentation produced and attached hereto (video "Victims of vanity"), shows
incredibly gory images that conflict with what has been agreed between the European Union and the United
States as "humane": animals are killed as a result of crushing the chest, hit repeatedly with a club, drown,
or strangled with snares.
The video shows that victims of trapping are also "non-target" animals, protected animals, such as
"companion animals” " including dogs and cats, but “non-target” victims published by the Born Free USA
also include other specially protected animals, such as eagles that are attracted by the baited traps.
Pagina 4 di 27
It’s an established fact in the scientific community that "leghold" traps even when affixed with padded jaws,
are indiscriminate capture devices (i.e they are not species-specific nor are they selective in terms of
capturing a animal of a particular age and sex) and that they frequently cause serious and unnecessary
suffering to the animals.
Nevertheless, in the United States ‘leghold traps’ are the devices most widely used, as is evident in the
guidelines and regulations published by individual state agencies on their respective websites as shown in
19 sheets (attached) of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies - AFWA, a non-profit organization
representing state agencies for fisheries and wildlife.
In Europe, the capture device most used is the cage-trap: a tool for the containment of the animal in such a
way as to safeguard wellbeing and avoiding any kind of injury . The practice of capturing animals conducted
in Europe, and otherwise regulated through the Member Countries, states a required daily system of trap
inspection, in contrast to what happens in the United States.
Between the United States and European Countries, largely Italy, is an active trade in skins of animals
caught in the United States, as documented in the Eurostat database.
The fur industry sales chain is such that the skins of furbearing animals are typically sold in lots at
specialized auction houses and so, it is not possible to determine the destination of the skin of an individual
animal. We cannot know with absolute certainty that the individual animal skins derived from the so abused,
as dramatically shown in the video documentation attached, has been bought by Italian buyers.
However, it is objectively undeniable that the system of capture and killing of these animals as practiced in
the United States is at serious odds with past agreements with the European Community in order to avoid
any unnecessary suffering to the animals.
It’s worth pointing out that with the signing of international agreements in the field of catches by
"humane traps", European institutions have essentially intended to ensure the continuity of business
relationships with countries that, upon entry into force of the EEC Regulation 3254/1991, had not
formally banned the use of leghold traps.
This way, however, cannot be understood as freedom to use the ‘leghold’ for trapping. The ‘leghold
trap’ is by definition a cruel capture device.
So, adherence to IAHTS must be understood as a possibility to export furs from animals trapped to
Europe, even if the exporting country has not formally adopted a measure prohibiting the use of
leghold traps.
However, if the Country that has signed the IAHTS should also authorize the use of leghold traps, it
is clear that it is not able to meet the minimum standards of IAHTS, in the same vein, it would not
make sense to have banned the use of leghold traps in Europe, as a cruel device, and then allow its
use in the United States or other countries with which these agreements have been signed.
Conclusions:
In the United States, the individual federal states can regulate differently the domestic trade of wild fur (fur
and fur products derived from animals specially captured), but when the skins of these animals are brought
into the Community market, the U.S. must ensure that the methods used to obtain those skins comply with
the provisions implemented in Agreed Minutes signed with the European Union.
If not, there would be no reason to depart from the general ban on imports of skins of wild animals such as
described in Article 3, paragraph 1 EEC Regulation 3254/1991:
1. The introduction into the Community of pelts of the animal species listed in Annex I and the
other goods listed in Annex II, as they incorporate pelts of the species listed in Annex I, shall be
prohibited from 1 January 1995, unless the Commission in accordance with Article 5, has
determined that the country of origin of the skins:
Pagina 5 di 27
- Are in place adequate administrative or legislative provisions prohibiting the use of leghold
traps
or
- The methods of trapping used for the species listed in Annex I to comply with internationally
agreed standards on humane trapping.
Similarly, Annex IV "Declaration of the parties" of the Agreement between the EU, Canada and the Russian
Federation (OJ L42/43 of 14 February 1998, which the Agreed Minutes with the U.S. refers to, as indicated
in paragraph 8 of the same document), in statements of the European Union are:
The European Community understands that the signature of the Agreement on international
humane trapping standards is an important and substantial step forward in ensuring a sufficient
level of welfare for trapped animals.
The European Community therefore confirms that it will not take any measure
implementing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3254/91 (..), as long as the Agreement
remains in force and is applied according to its provisions.
Whereas:
- The methods of trapping and killing of animals for fur production, as documented in the footage of
the undercover investigation made in the USA and for the many documented incidents of capture of
non-target animals do not meet to the minimum standards of the Agreed Minutes;
- The use of leghold traps is a widespread practice and regulated and authorized by the state
government;
Considering also that:
- The subscription of the Agreed Minutes cannot be understood as a free opportunity to use tools that,
through their design and mode of operation, totally covered by the definition in Article 1 of EC
Regulation 3254/1991, as these instruments are in contradiction with the aims themselves of
Agreed Minutes;
LAV asks:
in view of the arguments, and in order to ensure compliance with the values and principles of the European
Union against the use of leghold traps:
according to paragraphs 5, 7 and 8 of the Agreed Minutes between the European Community and the United
States of America (OJ L219/26 of August 7, 1998)
- should start the procedure for ‘Settlement of disputes’ referred to in Article 15 of the
Agreement between the European Community, Canada and the Russian Federation
(OJ L42/43 of 14 February 1998, which the Agreed Minutes mentioned above refers).
according to Annex IV "Declaration of the parties" of the Agreement between the EU, Canada and the
Russian Federation, which the Agreed Minutes with the U.S. refers to:
- should suspend the import of furs (raw, tanned or finished) by the United States to Italy and
to European Union.
Pagina 6 di 27
Ch. 1 VIDEO-PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION: “VICTIMS OF VANITY – U.S. TRAPPING REPORT”
[see also annex: video “Victims of Vanity”]
The video "Victims of vanity" of Born Free Foundation shows scenes incredibly cruel: the animals are killed
as a result of crushing of the chest, hit repeatedly with a club, drown, or strangled with snares. The video
shows that victims of leghold traps are also "non-target", protected animals, like all companion animals such
as dogs and cats.
Following is a chronological list of illegalities in the video-documented complaint.
Capture
events
Period of
the video
sequence
Species Documented action Rule infringed
of the Agreed Minutes
1
0’:33’’ -
0’:35’’
Fox
(Vulpes vulpes) Strangled with metallic lace
Capture with non-compliance (and
its verification) of the indicators
referred to in sections 2.3.1 and
2.3.2
0’:48” -
1’:02’’
Crushing of the chest with a foot
(animal in agony for several time)
Killing with non-compliance (and its
verification) of the indicators
referred to in section 3.2.2 and 3.3
2
1’:09’’ Lynx
(Lynx) Capture with leghold trap
Capture with non-compliance (and
its verification) of the indicators
referred to in sections 2.3.1 and
2.3.2
1’:15’’ -
1’:35’’ Strangled with metal lace
Killing with non-compliance (and its
verification) of the indicators
referred to in section 3.2.2 and 3.3
3
1’:39’’ Fox
(Vulpes vulpes) Capture with leghold trap
Capture with non-compliance (and
its verification) of the indicators
referred to in sections 2.3.1 and
2.3.2
1’:54’’ -
2’:08’’
Crushing of the chest with a knee
(animal in agony for several time)
Killing with non-compliance (and its
verification) of the indicators
referred to in section 3.2.2 and 3.3
4 2’:12’’ -
2’:20’’
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
Found dead in a leghold trap Use of non-selective traps (section
1.2.3)
5 2’:21’’ -
2’:24’’
Rabbit
(Sylvilagus) Found dead in a leghold trap
Use of non-selective traps (section
1.2.3)
6 2’:25’’ -
2’:39’’
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
Caught with a leghold trap and
killed with a metal lace
Use of non-selective traps (section
1.2.3)
7
2’45’’ -
3’:25’’
Raccoon
(Procyon lotor)
Animal has been hit repeatedly
with a club in the head, face and
body
All the provisions referred to in
paragraph 2.3.2. of the Agreed
Minutes
Animal drowned by crushing its
head with one foot on the bottom
Killing with non-compliance (and its
verification) of the indicators
Pagina 7 di 27
of the stream referred to in section 3.2.2 and 3.3
8 3’:26’’ -
4’:18’’
Fox
(Vulpes vulpes)
Captured with a metal lace and
killed by breaking the chest with a
foot
Capture with non-compliance (and
its verification) of the indicators
referred to in sections 2.3.1 and
2.3.2
9 4’:25’’ -
4’:35’’
Coyote
(Canis latrans) Capture with leghold trap
Capture with non-compliance (and
its verification) of the indicators
referred to in sections 2.3.1 and
2.3.2
Pagina 8 di 27
Ch. 2 COLLATERAL VICTIMS: NON TARGET INCIDENTS
Below are some episodes of the captures known and related to non-target animals. Important to highlight the
fact that this list is merely indicative and refers only to incidents known as reported by the local news, and
that the real impact on non-target animals (including specially protected fauna) is intended to considerably
higher.
Episodes of catching non-target animals following are taken from the "non-target trapping incidents data
base" of the organization Born Free USA (http://www.bornfreeusa.org/database/trapping_incidents.php )
When Where Species Fact Source
07/04/2012 Washington Raccoon
(Procyon lotor)
A raccoon was found with hs front leg caught in a steel
jaw leghold trap. The trap had broken the bones in the
animal's leg and in an attempt to remove himself, the
raccoon chewed his own leg to the bone. The trap was
set illegally and the trapper is unknown. The raccoon
had to be euthanized.
Washington Humane
Society and local news.
04/04/2012 Oregon Bobcat
(Lynx rufus)
A bobcat was caught in an illegal snare on private
property. The animal was able to be freed.
Predator Defense
(wildlife non-profit
organization, Oregon).
01/04/2012 North Carolina
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
A cat was caught in a conibear trap set by a neighbor out to catch groundhogs. The cat, although injured, survived.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
25/03/2012 Maine
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A dog ran off into the woods and was caught in a leg-
hold trap for almost 2 weeks before being discovered
by his guardian. One of his toes had started to rot and
had to be amputated.
WCSH6.com
(local news website)
08/03/2012 Alaska
Bobcat
(Lynx rufus)
Bald eagle
(Haliaeetus
leucocephalus)
Raven
(Corvus
brachyrhynchos)
An Anchor Point trapper has been charged with state
and federal crimes for trapping lynx out of season and
taking a bald eagle (in violation of the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act) and raven (in violation of the
U.S. Federal Migratory Bird Act). Another trapper also
faces charges of possessing an illegally taken lynx.
Penninsula Clarion.com
(local news website)
01/03/2012 Oregon Bobcat
(Lynx rufus)
A bobcat was caught in an illegal snare for 12 hours on private property in Lane County and was rescued by Predator Defense.
KEZI.com
(local news website)
11/02/2012 Oregon
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A dog being was caught in a Conibear trap set for river
otters or beavers. The snare strangled her, knocking
her unconscious. An official helped to free her, but
because she was not breathing, the husband
performed CPR and revived her.
KTVZ.com
(local news website)
09/02/2012 Nebraska Mountain lion
A mountain lion unintentionally caught in a foothold
trap in Dawes County was tranquilized and released NC News.com
Pagina 9 di 27
(Felis concolor) by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission officials. (local news website)
01/02/2012 Oregon
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A dog was accompanying two horseback riders when he was caught in a foothold trap. The woman and her friend worked together to push on the levers and was able to free the dog. They found a second trap nearby.
Bend Bulletin.com
(local news website)
14/02/2012 Massachusetts
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
A hiker stumbled upon a severely injured cat whose crushed left forelimb was ensnared in a leghold trap that had been purposely set. The animal was taken to an animal medical center in Boston and had has leg amputated to save his life. It appears the trap was unregistered and was likely set illegally.
Massachusetts Society
for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals
(no profit)
04/02/2012 Oregon
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
Lucy, a heeler mix, being walked by a woman and her
finance was caught in a foothold trap. Unable to free
Lucy, they carried her to their car in a dog crate and
took her to the clinic where the woman worked as a
veterinarian. Lucy was anesthetized and the trap
removed.
KVTZ.com
(local news website)
29/01/2012 Virginia
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A 9-year old boy helped his 77-year old neighbor
when her dog, Nutmeg, was caught in a "groundhog"
trap.
Nelson County
Times.com
(local news website)
27/01/2012 Nevada
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A couple walking their dogs had one of the dogs
caught in a leg-hold trap. The guardian was able to
remove the trap after 10 minutes and took the dog to
the vet. The dog sustained bruising on her right paw.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
26/01/2012 Minnesota
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
Two dogs were being walked when one was caught by
a Conibear trap that was hidden in marsh grass. The
dog died within a few minutes of being caught.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
01/2012 Idaho Canada lynx
(Lynx canadensis)
A Canada lynx was inadvertently caught in a foot-hold
trap in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. He was
later released.
Chicago-Tribune
(local news website)
01/2012 Montana
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
Two cats in two difference incidents were caught in
traps and had to have their limbs amputated. One cat
was found in a steel-jaw trap on Wednesday. One of
his front legs was frozen to the trap and had to be
amputated. Another stray cat was found in a similar
situation on Thursday and also had a leg amputated.
KRTV.com
(local news website)
18/01/2012 Nevada
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A couple took their two young pups for a walk next to
a popular sports complex when one of their pups got
caught in a coyote box trap. While the guardian was
trying to release her from the box trap, she was caught
in the snare trap that was set inside of the box trap.
Her guardian was able to release her after retrieving
pliers from his car. The pup was passed out from a
lack of air and barely breathing.
Skydrive
(local news website)
Pagina 10 di 27
12/01/2012 Minnesota
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A dog was injured by a trap. According to Washington
County Sheriff's Office, the trap was located on a
private property just outside the Clearwater Creek
Preserve. The guardian was able to free the dog.
Press Pubs.com
(local news website)
05/01/2012 Kentucky
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A woman was walking her dog through a public park
when her dog got caught in a trap and was killed.
Another dog was killed by a trap set by the same
trapper in a different area.
14News.com
(article online)
02/01/2012 Minnesota Owl
(Ophtalmomegas)
A Great Horned Owl was caught in a conibear trap set
for bobcats. Both legs were caught in the trap and
broken to the point of showing tendons. The owl was
taken to the vet, but because the owl, who was
otherwise healthy, could not be rehabilitated, it was
euthanized.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
31/12/2011 Idaho
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
Two women took their dogs for a walk off Bogus Basin
when one of the dogs was caught in a foot-hold trap.
The women could not get the trap off the dog's foot
and had to carry him to a road to flag down a car for
help.
KTVB.com
(article online)
29/12/2011 Minnesota
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A hunting dog named was accidentally trapped and
killed.
Brainerd Dispatch
(article online)
26/12/2011 Nebraska Mountain lion
(Felis concolor)
A mountain lion accidentally caught in a bobcat trap
was euthanized. Tracks of two young mountain lions,
likely the trapped lion's off-spring, were found.
JournalStar.com
(article online)
25/12/2011 Minnesota
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A man was out for a walk with his son and dog, and
the dog was caught in a Conibear trap. After trying to
free her in vain, he shot her at point blank range to
end her suffering.
Star Tribune
(article online)
23/12/2011 Oregon
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A dog was killed by a Conibear trap set between its guardian's fence and their neighbors. The trapper was served with a notice and paid a fine.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
19/12/2011 Nevada
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A dog was caught in a leg-hold trap and the guardian
bitten when while trying to release. The dog sustained
cuts, bruising and swelling on its leg.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
19/12/2011 Nevada
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A hunter and part-time trapper's dogwas killed after
being caught in a Conibear trap.
Brainerd Dispatch
(article online)
17/12/2011 Montana
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A trapper whose traps caught 2 dogs near a
campground will be cited for having his traps too
close to a campground. The dogs’ owners could also
be cited for removing the traps.
Missoulian.com
(article online)
Pagina 11 di 27
16/12/2011 Indiana
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A pet dog was caught and killed in a Conibear trap
intended for nuisance raccoons while being walked
through a state park.
WishTV.com
(online news article)
11/12/2011 Kentucky
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A woman out walking her dogs near a creek had one
of her dogs caught and killed by a Conibear trap. Her
dog was dead in seconds and could not be saved.
Another dog has been killed by another trap set by
this trapper. He revealed he had over 70 traps set
throughout the area but would not divulge the
locations.
Social Media, Lexi18.com
(online news article)
07/12/2011 Oregon
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A family out walking with their two dogs on public
land near a river had one of them caught in a leg-hold
trap. The dog was released from the trap with no
permanent damage. They suspect their other dog had
tripped another trap the day before while on a walk in
the same location.
Trap Free Oregon
(nonprofit wildlife
advocacy organization
from Oregon)
04/12/2011 Oregon
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A family was out for a walk with their beagle puppy
named Lexi when she got caught in a foothold trap set
near a dirt road frequented by the public. Lexi was
able to be freed and nursed at home.
Trap Free Oregon
(nonprofit wildlife
advocacy organization
from Oregon)
26/11/2011 North Carolina
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A pet cat was caught in a leghold trap for approx 12
hrs and had to have her hind leg amputated.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
01/11/2011 Montana
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A woman walking her dogs with her grandchildren
had her two dogs caught in leghold traps.
Hungry Horse News
(article online)
30/10/2011 Wyoming
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A woman was horseback riding with her dog
accompanying her. When she looked up, she saw her
dog in a Conibear trap next to the road. Her neighbor
and his son had set up the trap on their property to
catch small amimals. The dog survived without lasting
injuries.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
23/10/2011 Maine Canada lynx
(Lynx canadensis)
A trapper caught a lynx in a trap intended for coyotes
and foxes. Upon finding the lynx, the trapper set it
free.
Maine Warden Service
Investigation Report
22/10/2011 Maine Canada lynx
(Lynx canadensis)
Warden Service was contacted of a lynx caught in a
foothold trap. While waiting for assistance from a
biologist, a second lynx caught in a trap was reported.
Maine Warden Service
Investigation Report
22/10/2011 Maine Canada lynx
(Lynx canadensis)
A lynx was unintentionally caught in a leg-hold trap by
his right hind foot. The lynx was released on-site after
an examination by game wardens and tagged.
Maine Warden Service
Investigation Report
22/10/2011 Alaska Dog
(Canis lupus
A dog was caught by her neck in a snare trap for
approx 20 hours. There were around 30 snares in the
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Pagina 12 di 27
familiaris) area where she was trapped. The traps were set out
by a neighbor who did not inform the residents of his
traps. Sara had a cut all the way around her neck from
the snare and it took days for head swelling to go
down. She has a permanent ring of white hair around
her neck caused by the accident.
Free USA)
18/10/2011 Maine Canada lynx
(Lynx canadensis)
A lynx was accidentally caught by a trapper and
released.
MDIFW Checklist for
Reporting & Responding
to Incidental Captures of
Lynx
16/10/2011 Wyoming
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A woman's dog got caught in a trap and died while
they were out for a walk in an area popular with
people with dogs.
Fox11On Line.com
(article online)
05/08/2011 Connecticut
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
Police were called for a male, domestic, short-haired
tabby cat who got its leg caught in a leg hold trap. The
cat was taken to a vet and later euthanized.
Ansonia Police Dept
Report
01/08/2011 Oregon
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris) A dog was caught and killed in a Conibear trap intended to for nuisance wildlife.
OregonLive.com (article
online)
07/2011 Illinois
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A dog got 3 of her paws caught in traps set out for
coyotes and nearly lost her life. She survived unable to
move until she was found by hunters on the fifth day
after becoming trapped. Miraculously, she was able to
keep all three of her legs with just having her toes
amputated.
Stowsentry.com (article
online)
16/05/2011 New York
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A dog got 3 of her paws caught in traps set out for
coyotes and nearly lost her life. She survived unable to
move until she was found by hunters on the fifth day
after becoming trapped. Miraculously, she was able to
keep all three of her legs with just having her toes
amputated.
Personal communication
by e-mail to Born Free
USA
17/01/2011 North Carolina
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A dog named Dozer was caught in a trap. He sustained
broken bones, cuts, swelling, bruising, and had to have
his tail amputated.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
14/01/2011 Illinois
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A husky/collie mix was nearly choked to death by a
steel snare trap during a walk with its owner. The
owner later went back to the area to post a note to the
hunter letting him know that the trap nearly killed his
dog and to get rid of the traps before someone gets
hurt, when the man himself was caught in a separate
trap.
Daily Herald (article
online)
11/01/2011 Virginia Golden eagle
(Aquila chrysaetos)
A rare golden eagle was caught in a foothold trap
meant for a coyote; one toe was amputated. The eagle
was rehabilitated and released.
NelsonCountyTimes.com
(article online)
Pagina 13 di 27
08/01/2011 Maryland
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
. A cat returned dragging a leg-hold trap clamped to
his front, left paw. Trap was removed and his front leg
amputated. Incident was reported to Montgomery
County Animal Control.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
10/12/2010 Indiana
Owl
(Ophtalmomegas)
Red-shouldered
hawk
(Buteo lineatus)
Silver Creek Beagle Club illegally set out traps to rid
the club of predatory birds to protect the bait rabbits
they use to train beagles, violating the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act. A great horned owl was found dead in the
area as well as a red-shouldered hawk with both legs
broken (the hawk was later euthanized).
courier-journal.com
(article online)
15/11/2010 Montana
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A hunting dog got its right front paw caught in a
Conibear trap for several days before he was able to
gnaw the anchor cable loose.
helenair.com (article
online)
22/08/2010 Nevada
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
A cat was found in a leg-hold trap, caught in a leghold
trap and picked up by a Washoe County Animal
Services officer. Her crushed toes were amputated.
Trailsafe.org (nonprofit
organization)
13/07/2010 Tennessee
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
After being caught in the trap for an estimated 2 days,
a cat had to have its right front leg had to be
amputated.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
08/07/2010 Texas
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
The Houston SPCA received a call from Harris County
Animal Control about a dog trapped in a steel-jaw
leghold trap. Working with Harris County Precinct 1
Constable Jack Abercia’s Office, Houston SPCA Cruelty
Investigators arrived to the property in Northwest
Houston to find one dog trapped in a live-trap and a
second dog, a Boxer-mix dog with one leghold trap on
his right front foot and a second trap on his scrotum.
The dogs were quickly rushed to the Houston SPCA.
The Boxer-mix was anesthetized and his were wounds
x-rayed and treated.
Houston SPCA (nonprofit
organization)
02/07/2010 Maine
Gray jay
(Perisoreus
canadensis)
Trapper illegally set a trap and caught a gray jay, a
protected species under the Endangered Species Act.
He also trapped a lynx illegally and tried to discard the
body.
Bangor Daily News
01/05/2010 New
Hampshire
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
A cat was caught in a leghold for around one week
until the residents of property released her. The cat
had to have her hind leg amputated.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
14/03/2010 Nevada
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
A man was cited by state officials for allegedly setting
a steel leg trap that caught a cat near a bike path. A cat
named Trapper John by NHS vets that treated him,
was discovered partially submerged in water and
struggling to free himself from the trap. Although
hypothermic and injured by the trap, he survived.
Reno Gazette
(article online)
Pagina 14 di 27
26/02/2010 Minnesota Bobcat
(Lynx rufus)
A lynx was caught in a trap but escaped - the hair
sample left confirmed by the USFWS that it was in fact
a lynx.
US Fish and Wildlife
Service
26/12/2009 New Jersey
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
A cat showed up with injury and taken to veterinarian
who deduced that the injury was caused by a trap. The
bones, nerves and blood supply were severed. The
foot started to die and had to be amputated.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
03/12/2009 Wisconsin
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
A cat caught in a steel-jaw trap on the city's west side
was euthanized by the Oshkosh Area Humane Society
to put it out of its misery from a badly broken back
leg. "There was no salvaging that cat. He was in
horrible, horrific pain," said Joni Geiger, director of the
animal shelter. Police were called by a resident who
found the cat in the trap in his yard. The trap did not
belong to the person who called police. It was the type
of trap someone would use to trap small game in the
wild. Police have not cited anyone and they don't have
any suspects.
The Northwestern
(article online)
10/12/2009 Oregon
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A girl found Barney in a Conibear trap and brought
immediately to the vet. The trap had crushed his spine
and organs and he had to be euthanized - the trapper
was found and under investigation.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
23/11/2009 Alaska
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A retired sled dog survived with minor injury the
crushing jaws of a Conibear trap set less than 10 feet
off a trail near town.
Anchorage Daily News;
Peninsula Clarion (online
news article)
26/11/2009 Montana
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
On Thanksgiving Day, a man and his nephew "were
wandering along the riverbank just off the trail" that
runs alongside the Big Flat irrigation ditch near the
confluence of the Bitterroot and Clark Fork rivers. One
of the dogs got caught in a leg-hold trap and suffered
no more than a serious sprain. Incredibly, it was
already re-set when the man, who had gone home to
check up on the dog, returned to the scene to
investigate.
New West Blog (online
news)
25/11/2009 Connecticut Owl
(Asio otus)
The owl was found stuck in a rusty leghold trap in
Moodus by a wildlife rehabilitators, who cared for the
owl over Thanksgiving. The owl was emaciated,
having been impaired for a long time and unable to
hunt. The veterinarian the woman brought the owl to
the morning after Thanksgiving determined that the
owl's injury was so severe, its foot would have to be
amputated and it would never be released. In keeping
with federal law, the owl was euthanized.
New Haven Register
(article online)
24/11/2009 Wisconsin
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A pet dog got caught in a body grip trap left for
wildlife set on a road. The dog required vet care.
Wisconsin Dept. of
Natural Resources,
Wildlife Management
Pagina 15 di 27
20/11/2009 Wisconsin
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A walker coon hound hunting dog got caught in a body
grip trap left for wildlife set on a road near a trail. No
apparent injuries to the dog.
Wisconsin Dept. of
Natural Resources,
Wildlife Management
18/11/2009 Wisconsin Cow
(Bos taurus)
A pet cow got caught in a body grip trap left for
wildlife set in a pasture. The cow experienced
permanent injury.
Wisconsin Dept. of
Natural Resources,
Wildlife Management
05/11/2009 Wisconsin
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
A pet cat got caught in a body grip trap left for wildlife
in a marsh. The cat died as a result.
Wisconsin Dept. of
Natural Resources,
Wildlife Management
01/11/2009 Wisconsin
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
10-month-old shelter dog, caught in a leghold trap and
finally released.
Idaho Mountain Express
and Guide
01/10/2009 Wisconsin
Cat
(Felix silvestris
catus)
A cat got caught in a body grip trap left for wildlife.
The cat required vet care and experienced permanent
injury as a result.
Wisconsin Dept. of
Natural Resources,
Wildlife Mgmt
20/03/2009 Wisconsin Otter
(Lontra canadensis)
Wisconsin An otter got caught in a body grip trap left
for other wildlife set in a body of water. The otter died
as a result.
Wisconsin Dept. of
Natural Resources,
Wildlife Mgmt
03/2009 Wisconsin
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A couple of kids were hiking with their dog the dog
went close to the water, stuck her nose in a box to
smell it, and got caught in a Conibear trap.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
14/02/2009 Kansas
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A deputy police chief heard his dog yelp. Bella became
weaker, and then fell unconscious. Within six minutes,
she was gone.
Salina Journal (article
online)
30/01/2009 Wisconsin
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
A pet dog got caught in a body grip trap left for
wildlife set over near frozen body of water. The dog
died as a result.
Wisconsin Dept. of
Natural Resources,
Wildlife Mgmt
01/2009 Alaska
Dog
(Canis lupus
familiaris)
Dog caught in a Conibear. After 90 minutes in the trap,
she survived, losing only a couple of broken teeth.
Private person (Trapping
Incident Reports di Born
Free USA)
Pagina 16 di 27
Ch. 3 SCIENTIFIC CLAIMS
3.1 Sierra Club’s policy on trapping of wildlife
Sierra Club is the oldest and accredited organization of environmental protection in the United States;
founded in 1892, it has always been an important reference point for all federal states in the development of
environmentally policies.
On 19th May, the Sierra Club has strongly condemned the use of capture devices that hold animals (leghold
traps, snares, conibear in every variant), as it is shown that such devices cause indiscriminate catches for
age, sex , species and even serious injury, suffering and even death for both animals "target" species that
"non-target".
Sierra Club defines all types of body-gripping traps and snares, as ecologically indiscriminate and
unnecessarily cruel and formally objects to use them.
Below is the full text of the policy approved by the Sierra Club, and published on the website of the
association (http://www.sierraclub.org/policy/conservation/Trapping-Wildlife.pdf):
Policy on Trapping of Wildlife
Use of body-gripping devices* – including leghold traps, snares, and Conibear® traps – are
indiscriminate to age, sex and species and typically result in injury, pain, suffering, and/or death
of target and non-target animals.
The Sierra Club considers body-gripping, restraining and killing traps and snares to be
ecologically indiscriminate and unnecessarily inhumane and therefore opposes their use. The
Sierra Club promotes and supports humane, practical and effective methods of mitigating
human-wildlife conflicts and actively discourages the use of inhumane and indiscriminate
methods.
Sierra Club recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples under federal laws and treaties granting
rights of self-determination and rights to pursue subsistence taking of wildlife.
*Body gripping device – includes, but is not limited to, any snare (neck, body, or leg), kill-type
trap (such as the Conibear®), leghold trap (including steel-jaw, padded, offset), and any other
device designed to grip a body or body part. This definition includes any device that may result
in injury or death because of the mechanism of entrapment. Live cage and box traps, and
common rat and mousetraps shall not be considered body-gripping devices.
Board of Directors, May 19, 2012
Pagina 17 di 27
3.2 Criticality of the main capture devices
Steel-Jawed Leghold Traps and “Padded” Leghold Traps
o Authorized in 42 states without restriction. More than 80 countries have banned leghold traps and 6
states have either banned or restricted them. More than 20 states still allow the use of teeth on
leghold traps.
o Description: the steel-jaw leghold trap is the most commonly used trap in the U.S. by commercial
and recreational fur trappers today. 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. Most animals react to the instant pain by frantically pulling against the trap in
a desperate attempt to free themselves, enduring fractures, ripped tendons, edema, blood loss,
amputations, tooth and mouth damage (from chewing and biting at the trap), and starvation. Some
animals will even chew or twist their limbs off, so common that trappers have termed this occurrence
as “wring-off,” which for them means the loss of a marketable pelt. To the animal left crippled on
three legs, “wring-off” means certain death from starvation, gangrene, or attack from other predators.
On land, leghold traps are most frequently set for coyote, bobcat, fox, raccoon, skunk and other
furbearing animals. However, leghold traps are inherently indiscriminate and will trap any
unsuspecting animal that steps foot into the trap jaws, including companion animals, threatened and
endangered species, and even humans. Trappers admit that for every “target” animal trapped, at
least two other “non-target” animals, including dogs and cats, are trapped.
Aquatic leghold traps are most often set for muskrat, otter, mink, and beaver. Most animals trapped
in water will either try to surface to gasp for air or will drag the trap under water in an attempt to
reach land. Usually they die a slow, agonizing death by drowning, which can take up to 20 minutes
for some species. Death by drowning has been deemed inhumane by the American Veterinary
Medical Association (AVMA).
o Image:
Conibear
o Authorized in 36 states without restriction.
o Description: 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. Originally intended to be an “instant killing” device, the
Conibear trap is designed to snap shut in a scissor-like fashion on an animal’s spinal column at the
base of the skull. However, because it is impossible to control the size, species, and direction of the
animal entering the trap, most animals do not die quickly in the Conibear trap, instead enduring
prolonged suffering as the clamping force of the trap draws the jaws closer and closer together,
crushing the animal’s abdomen, head, or other body part.
Pagina 18 di 27
o Image:
Snare
o Authorized in 30 states without restriction.
o Snares are categorized as either body/neck or foot snares. Like leghold traps, they are a primitive
device, simple in design and vicious in action. They are generally made of light wire cable looped
through a locking device or of 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 body snare is used primarily on coyotes and is often
set where animals crawl under a fence or some other narrow passageway. The body snare is
designed to kill the animal by strangulation or crushing of vital organs. However, snares do not
discriminate between victims and will capture any animal around any body part.
o Image:
Pagina 19 di 27
Ch. 4 REGULATION IN THE FEDERATED STATES
[See also annex: n.19 Best Management Practices (BMP) for Trapping in the United States, Association of
Fish and Wildlife Agencies]
In the following table is schematically shown the use of traps in the types "leghold", "conibear" and "laces"
otherwise regulated in the 50 federal states.
The use of leghold traps is expressly authorized in 42 states; while in the states that have forbidden it, it is
always possible to use leghold traps to capture wildlife, as a result of specific authorizations.
The sources of information to which reference has been made in the preparation of the present table are the
websites of state institutions where are published information about the regulation of the practice of trapping
fur animals (see references).
Table of the regulations of the catches in the States
STATES/ TRAPS AUTHORIZED
LE
GH
OL
D
CO
NIB
EA
R
LA
CE
S
Co
ntr
ol
24
h
(o
n l
an
d)
Co
ntr
ol
24
h
(in
wa
ter)
STATES/ TRAPS AUTHORIZED
LE
GH
OL
D
CO
NIB
EA
R
LA
CE
S
Co
ntr
ol
24
h
(o
n l
an
d)
Co
ntr
ol
24
h
(in
wa
ter)
AL - Alabama YES YES YES + - MI - Michigan
YES YES YES - -
AK - Alaska YES YES YES - - MN - Minnesota YES YES YES - -
AZ* - Arizona YES YES NO + + MS - Mississippi
YES YES YES - -
AR - Arkansas YES YES YES + - MO - Missouri
YES YES YES + +
CA* - California NO NO NO + + MT - Montana
YES YES YES - -
NC – North Carolina YES YES NO + - NE - Nebraska
YES YES YES + -
SC – South Carolina YES YES NO + + NV - Nevada YES YES YES - -
CO* - Colorado NO NO NO + + NH - New Hampshire
YES YES YES + +
CT - Connecticut
YES YES NO + + NJ - New Jersey
NO YES YES + +
ND – North Dakota YES YES YES - - NM – New Mexico YES YES YES + +
SD – South Dakota YES YES YES - - NY – New York
YES YES NO +(-)
+(-)
DE - Delaware YES YES YES + + OH - Ohio
YES YES YES + +
FL* - Florida NO NO YES + + OK - Oklahoma
YES YES NO + +
GA - Georgia
YES YES YES + + OR - Oregon YES YES YES - -
HI* - Hawaii
/ / / / / PA - Pennsylvania YES YES YES - -
ID - Idaho YES YES YES - - RI* - Rhode Island
NO NO NO + +
IL – Illinois
YES YES YES + + TN - Tennessee
YES YES YES - -
IN - Indiana YES YES YES + + TX- Texas YES YES YES - -
IA - Iowa YES YES YES + - UT - Utah YES YES YES - -
KS - Kansas YES YES YES + + VT - Vermont
VA -
YES YES NO - -
KY - Kentucky
YES YES YES + + VA - Virginia
YES YES YES + +
LA - Louisiana YES YES YES + + WV - Virginia Occidentale YES YES YES + +
ME - Maine
YES YES YES + - WA* - Washington
NO NO NO + +
MD - Maryland
YES YES YES + - WI - Wisconsin
YES YES YES + -
MA* - Massachusetts
NO NO NO + + WY - Wyoming
YES YES YES - -
+ = is mandatory monitoring of traps at least once every 24h;
- = the control can take place in a time greater than 24h.
AZ* = All body gripping traps and snares are prohibited on public land as a result of a ballot initiative passed in 1994. Body-
griping traps are allowed on private land. Snares are not permitted, except those not designed to kill for purpose of scientific
research, sport falconry, or relocation.
CA* = A state ballot initiative in 1998 banned the use of body-griping traps for commercial and recreational trapping. Leghold
traps, Conibear traps, and snares can be used for nuisance wildlife control and human health and safety.
Pagina 20 di 27
CO* = A state ballot initiative in 1996 banned body gripping traps. The ban effectively covers recreational and commercial fur
trapping. Exemptions exist for control of wildlife damage to commercial crops and livestock on private land, to protect public
health and safety, and for bona fide scientific research. Leghold traps used for these purposes must be padded when set on
land.
FL* = Leg-hold traps may be used only by permit from the Executive Director of the Commission.
HI* = There is no recreational trapping in Hawaii. However, traps and snares have been used for certain types of wildlife
damage.
MA* = A state ballot initiative in 1996 banned body-gripping traps. Special permits may be issued to use Conibear traps for
certain types of wildlife damage.
RI* = Leghold traps are allowed with a special permit from the Director of the Department of Environmental Management.
WA* = Leghold traps, conibear traps, and snares are prohibited for the capture of mammals for recreation or commerce in
fur. Conibear traps in water, padded leghold traps, or a non-strangling type of foot snare can be used with a special permit for
protecting human health and safety and wildlife conflicts (not to exceed 30 days and a non-lethal control tool must be
attempted first), protection of threatened and endangered species, and for use in “legitimate wildlife research” (excluding
Conibear traps).
Useful to remember that the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), has developed a project for
the identification of best practices to capture, called Best Management Practices (BMP).
The BMP is presented as a project which aims to assess animal welfare, identify tools and techniques for
capturing effective, and develop recommendations for the State agencies and the Departments of Fisheries
and Wildlife to be taken in state programs management.
However, specification sheets processed by AFWA, the capture tools described and proposed are merely
variants of leghold traps.
In the 19 sheets drawn up for as many animal species, the word “leghold” never appears, but it is
clear that the various types of traps proposed (padded jaw traps, coil-spring trap, double jaw traps,
etc.) are nothing more than leghold traps, as for the design and methods of use are fully covered by
the definition given to article 1 EEC Regulation 3254/91 (see attached sheets).
Some examples of traps recommended by AFWA
Design Name Target
species Design Name Target
species
Coil spring
trap
Badger,
Beaver,
Lynx,
Coyote,
Fox
Wide jaw
trap Coyote
Padded
jaw trap
Badger,
Fox
Double jaw
padded Fox
Laminated
trap
Lynx,
Coyote
Pagina 21 di 27
Ch. 5 WILD FUR TRADE
According to Eurostat data (see table) in the 2008-2011 period, the U.S. has exported to Europe furskins
(raw, tanned or dressed) for a total value of € 133,713,939.00. Most of the skins are placed on the
Community market were imported from Italy (€ 9,062,862.00), specifically Italy imported 69.4% of the skins
of wild felines (CN8 43018050 and 43021970), the 44.2 % of skins of wild animals (CN8 43023095), and
28.7% fox pelts (farmed or caught, CN8 43016000, 43021930 and 43023045).
Italy turns out to be the world's biggest processor of the skins of wild animals imported from the USA in the
European Union.
Eurostat data on import skins from the U.S. in the 2008-2011 period (in €) 2008-2011 2008-2011
PRODUCT/REPORTER TOT IMPORT
UE (27)
TOT IMPORT
IT
% IT
on UE
43011000 raw furskins of mink, whole, with or without heads, tails or paws 45.968.961,00 2.619.996,00 5,70
43016000 raw furskins of fox, with or without heads, tails or paws 981.433,00 30.720,00 3,13
43018050 raw furskins of wild felines, with or without heads, tails or paws 3.366.375,00 2.211.270,00 65,69
43018070 raw furskins, whole, with or without heads, tails or paws (excl. those of mink,
lamb - astrachan, caracul, persian, broadtail and similar, and indian, chinese, mongolian
or tibetan -, fox, marmots and of wild felines)
8.657.273,00 836.417,00 9,66
43019000 heads, tails, paws and other pieces or cuttings of furskins suitable for use in
furriery 313,00 - -
43021100 tanned or dressed furskins of mink, whole, with or without heads, tails or
paws, not assembled 43.727.494,00 20.376,00 0,05
43021910 tanned or dressed furskins of beaver, whole, with or without heads, tails or
paws, not assembled 458.174,00 1.595,00 0,35
43021920 tanned or dressed furskins of muskrat, whole, with or without heads, tails or
paws, not assembled 30.438,00 - 0,00
43021930 tanned or dressed furskins of fox, whole, with or without heads, tails or paws,
not assembled 1.015.365,00 23.510,00 2,32
43021935 tanned or dressed furskins of rabbit or hare, whole, with or without heads,
tails or paws, not assembled 5.329,00 - -
43021950 tanned or dressed furskins of sea otters or nutria "coypu", whole, with or
without heads, tails or paws, not assembled 248.548,00 - -
43021960 tanned or dressed furskins of marmots, whole, with or without heads, tails or
paws, not assembled 6.608,00 - -
43021970 tanned or dressed furskins of wild felines, whole, with or without heads, tails
or paws, not assembled 8.107.998,00 300.224,00 3,70
43021995 furskins, tanned or dressed, whole, with or without heads, tails or paws, not
assembled (excl. furskins of mink, rabbit, hare, lamb - astrakhan, caracul, persian,
broadtail and similar, indian, chinese, mongolian or tibetan lamb, of beaver, muskrat,
fox, seal, sea otters, nutria "coypu", marmots, wild felines, sheep and lambs)
7.000.881,00 448.190,00 6,40
43022000 heads, tails, paws and other pieces or cuttings of tanned or dressed furskins,
not assembled 2.136.434,00 1.447,00 0,07
43023010 tanned and dressed 'dropped' furskins 10.870,00 - -
Pagina 22 di 27
43023021 tanned or dressed whole furskins of mink, and pieces or cuttings thereof,
assembled, without the addition of other materials (excl. 'dropped' furskins, clothing,
clothing accessories and other furskin articles)
135.120,00 - -
43023025 tanned or dressed whole furskins of rabbit or hare, and pieces or cuttings
thereof, assembled, without the addition of other materials (excl. 'dropped' furskins,
clothing, clothing accessories and other furskin articles)
70,00 - -
43023045 tanned or dressed whole furskins of fox, and pieces or cuttings thereof,
assembled, without the addition of other materials (excl. 'dropped' furskins, clothing,
clothing accessories and other furskin articles)
19.823,00 4.605,00 23,23
43023071 tanned or dressed whole furskins of wild felines, and pieces or cuttings
thereof, assembled, without the addition of other materials (excl. 'dropped' furskins,
clothing, clothing accessories and other furskin articles)
34.510,00 - 0,00
43023095 tanned or dressed furskins, whole, in pieces or cuttings, assembled, without
the addition of other materials (excl. furskins of mink, rabbit, hare, astrakhan, carakul,
persian, broadtail and similar lamb, indian, chinese, mongolian or tibetan lamb, muskrat,
fox, seal, sea otters, nutria, marmots, wild felines; 'dropped' furskins; articles of apparel
and other articles of furskin)
238.769,00 105.609,00 44,23
43031090 articles of apparel and clothing accessories made of furskin (excl. those of
whitecoat pups of harp seal or blueback pups of hooded seal, gloves made of leather
and furskin, footware and headgear and parts thereof)
10.345.018,00 1.994.038,00 19,28
43039000 articles of furskin (excl. articles of apparel, clothing accessories and goods of
chapter 95, e.g. toys, games and sports equipment) 1.218.135,00 464.865,00 38,16
133.713.939,00 9.062.862,00 6,78
Pagina 23 di 27
Ch. 6 AFWA FUR HARVEST
[See also annex: U.S. Fur Harvest 2012, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies]
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies collects annually data on fur harvest through State Wildlife
Agencies.
According to the Annual report “U.S. Fur Harvest 2012”, during the season 2010-11 4.037.753 animals of 26
different species were captured (see table below):
Badger Bassarisk Beaver Bobcat Cougar Coyote Fisher
Taxidea taxus Bassariscus astutus
Castor canadensis
Lynx rufus Felis concolor Canis latrans Martes pennanti
10.633 225 205.712 45.510 308 277.155 6.827
Fox, Gray Fox, Kit Fox, Red Fox, Swift Gray Wolf Lynx Marten Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Vulpes macrotis Vulpes vulpes Vulpes velox Canis lupus Lynx Martes americana
47.736 739 111.323 154 1.112 4.831 8.557
Mink Muskrat Nutria Opossum Otter Raccoon Skunk, hog-nosed
Neovison vison Ondatra zibethicus
Myocastor coypus
Didelphis virginiana
Lontra canadensis
Procyon lotor Conepatus mesoleucus
73.499 1.531.697 351.897 176.672 19.398 1.042.610 4
Skunk, Stripped
Skunk, Spotted
Squirrel Weasel Wolverine
Mephitis mephitis
Spilogale Sciurus carolinensis
Mustela nivalis Gulo gulo
93.800 869 2.311 23.609 565
As indicated in the AFWA report, fur harvest data sources varied between agencies and years. Source of
information included fur buyer, fur dealer and fur trapper reports. In some states, pelt tagging records and
periodic trapper questionnaires were also utilized. Depending on the methodology used to collect these data
in a particular state, the total figures for a particular species may or may not include hunter harvest.
For most species, the harvest data presented here are largely trapper harvest and should be
considered a minimum harvest.
Each of these numbers represents a specific capture episode, which was effected through the
prevalent use of leghold traps (but also Conibear type or laces), whose use is widely authorized by
the States.
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Annex:
Video: “Victims of Vanity”, 2011 Born Free USA
n. 19 Best Management Practices (BMP) for Trapping in the United States, Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies
U.S. Fur Harvest 2012, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
References:
Chapter 1 – Video-photographic documentation: “Victims of vanity – U.S. trapping report”
- Video and report “Victims of Vanity- US Trapping Report”, 2011, Born Free USA http://www.bornfreeusa.org/a10a_victims.php
Chapter 2 – Collateral victims: non target incidents
- Non-target trapping incidents database, 2012, Born Free USA website http://www.bornfreeusa.org/database/trapping_incidents.php
Chapter 3 – Scientific claims
- Policy on trapping of wildlife, 2012, Sierra Club http://www.sierraclub.org/policy/conservation/Trapping-Wildlife.pdf
- Exposing the myths: the truth about trapping, 2012, Born Free USA website http://www.bornfreeusa.org/facts.php?p=53&more=1
Chapter 4 – Regulation in the federated States
- Talling J.C. & Inglis I.R. (2009) Improvements to trapping standards. EU DG ENV. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/biodiversity/animal_welfare/hts/pdf/final_report.pdf
- State trapping report card, 2012, Born Free USA website
http://www.bornfreeusa.org/a10_trapping_reportcard.php
- Best Management Practices (BMP) for Trapping in the United States, 2012, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies website http://www.fishwildlife.org http://jjcdev.com/~fishwild/?section=best_management_practices Institutional website:
- Alabama Source: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ‘Trapping Regulations’ http://outdooralabama.com/hunting/trapping/TrapAL.pdf
- Alaska Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 2011-2012 Alaska Trapping Regulations, http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/wildliferegulations/pdfs/trapping.pdf
- Arizona Source: Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2012-13 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulation, http://www.azgfd.gov/regs/mainregs.pdf
- Arkansas Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Furbearer Trapping Regulation http://www.agfc.com/hunting/Pages/HuntingFurbearerTrappingRegulations.aspx
- California Source: California Department of Fish and Game ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/uplandgame/docs/CADFGTrappingGuideJan2009.pdf e http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/uplandgame/docs/CADFGTrappingGuideJan2009.pdf
Pagina 25 di 27
- Colorado Source: Colorado Division of Wildlife ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://wildlife.state.co.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/DOW/RulesRegs/Regulations/Ch03.pdf
- Connecticut Source: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2700&q=491358&depNav_GID=1633
- Delaware Source: Division of Fish and Wildlife, ‘Hunting and trapping guide’, http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Hunting/Documents/Delaware_Hunting-Trapping_Guide_2011-12.pdf
- Florida Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ‘Furbearer Hunting Regulations’, http://myfwc.com/media/1456328/2011-2012-Hunting-Regulations.pdf
- Georgia Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/342
- Hawaii http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/great_ape_state/stusgahist183D1.htm#s6
- Idaho Source: Idaho Department of Natural Resources ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/docs/rules/uplandFur.pdf
- Illinois Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Documents/HuntTrapDigest.pdf
- Indiana Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, ‘2011-12 Hunting and Trapping Guide’, http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2343.htm
- Iowa Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/Hunting/huntingregs.pdf
- Kansas Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism website Furbearer regulations, http://www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Hunting/Hunting-Regulations/Furbearers
- Kentucky Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://fw.ky.gov/trappingregs.asp
- Louisiana Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries‘ Trapping Regulations’, http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/publication/34601-louisiana-trapping-regulations-2011-2012/louisiana_trapping__regulations_2011-2012.pdf
- Maine Source: Main Hunting and Trapping. The official 2011-2012 State of Maine Hunting & Trapping Laws and Rules, http://www.eregulations.com/maine/hunting/trapping-rules/ e “2011 – 2012 Trapper Information” disponibile press oil sito web del Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
- Maryland Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.eregulations.com/maryland/hunting/furbearer-trapping-regulations/
- Massachusetts Source: Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/regulations/abstracts/hunt_fish_abstracts.pdf
- Michigan Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resoruces ‘Trapping Regulations’,
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http://michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10363_10880-31600--,00.html
- Minnesota Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/hunting/2011/full_regs.pdf
- Missouri Source: Missouri Department of Conservation ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/03/2012hunttrapsumweb.pdf
- Mississippi Source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/furbearer-trapping.aspx
- Montana Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://fwp.mt.gov/export/hunting/regulations/eBook/2011/furbearerRegulations/index.html
- Nebraska Source: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Outdoor Nebraska Hunting and Fishing Guide 2011, http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/pdf/huntguide.pdf
- New Hampshire Source: New Hampshire Fish and Game furbearer hunting and trapping regulations, http://www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/hunting/furbearer-hunting-and-trapping/
- Nevada Source: Nevada Department of Wildlife ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.ndow.org/hunt/seasons/fur/0910_furbearer.pdf e http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-503.html#NRS503Sec440
- New Jersey Source: New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2011/trapping_summary11-12.pdf
- New Mexico Source: New Mexico Game and Fish 2012-2013 Big Game and Furbearers Regulations, http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/publications/documents/rib/2012/sections/furbearers.pdf
- New York Source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation, ‘Trapping regulation’, http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9209.html
- North Carolina Source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.ncwildlife.org/Trapping/LawsSafety.aspx
- North Dakota Source: North Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service, http://www.nrcs.usda.gov
- Ohio Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/trapping.aspx#regulations
- Oklahoma Source: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.eregulations.com/oklahoma/hunting/furbearers/
- Oregon Source: Oregon Department of fish and wildlife, ‘Oregon furbearer trapping and hunting regulation’ http://dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/small_game/regulations/docs/2010-2012_Furbearer_Regs.pdf
- Pannsylvania Source: Pannsylvania Department of natural resources, Game Commission, ‘Trapping and furbearer’ http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/trapping/11357
- Rhode Island
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Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/fishwild/pdf/huntabs.pdf
- South Carolina Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://www.dnr.sc.gov/regs/pdf/furharvestbrochure.pdf
- South Dakota Source: South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/trapping/regulations.aspx
- Tennessee Source: 2011 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide: Small Game Hunting, http://www.eregulations.com/tennessee/hunting/small-game-hunting/
- Texas Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife, ‘Fur-bearing animals’, http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/season/fur_bearing/
- Utah Source: Utah Parks and Wildlife, ‘Furbearers’, http://wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/hunting/hunting-information/furbearer.html
- Vermont Source: Vermont Hunting, Fishing, Trapping Laws and Guide, http://www.eregulations.com/vermont/trapping/
- Virginia Source: 2011-2012 Hunting & Trapping in Virginia Regulations Digest, http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/ e http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/2011-2012-virginia-hunting-and-trapping-regulations.pdf
- Washington Source: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=232-12-141
- West Virginia Source: West Virginia Department of Natural Resources hunting and trapping regulations, http://www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/Regs1112/General_regs.pdf
- Wisconsin Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/trap/documents/TrappingRegs.pdf
- Wyoming Source: Wyoming Game and Fish Commission ‘Trapping Regulations’, http://gf.state.wy.us/web2011/Departments/Hunting/pdfs/Regulations_Ch4_Brochure.pdf e http://gf.state.wy.us/web2011/Departments/Hunting/pdfs/Regulations_Ch4.pdf
Chapter 5 – Wild fur trade
- Eurostat, external trade http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu
Chapter 6 – AFWA fur harvest 1970-2012
- Association of Fish and Wildlige Agencies – U.S. Fur Harvest 1970-present, Statistics by State, Region and Nation