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