§ 9.44.310 — Steel-jawed leg-hold traps prohibited

9.44.310 Steel-jawed leg-hold traps prohibited.

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to protect the public health and safety by prohibiting the use of steel-jawed leg-hold traps which pose great potential for injury to domestic pets and children. B. Findings. The city council finds as follows: 1. In an urbanized area, steel-jawed leg-hold traps present a risk of injury or death to domestic pets and persons, especially small children. 2. Steel-jawed leg-hold traps are inhumane. Studies cited by Humane Society of the United States show that up to 59.8 percent of animals caught in steel-jawed leg-hold traps sustain visible injuries caused by the type of trap employed. 3. Steel-jawed leg-hold traps do not discriminate between the target animal and nontarget animals. According to the Humane Society of the United States, by design of the trap, a trapper can never be sure of finding the desired animal caught in the steel jaws of the trap. 4. Alternatives to steel-jawed leg-hold traps are available for those circumstances in which the need to trap an intruding animal is great. 5. A prohibition on the use of steel-jawed leg-hold traps within the city is necessary to protect the public health and safety of the city's human and pet population. C. Definition. For purposes of this section, "steel-jawed leg-hold trap" means any spring-powered device or trap which captures or holds an animal by exerting a lateral force with fix-mounted jaws on the leg, toe, paw, or any other part of the animal's body. D. Use Prohibited. It is unlawful and a misdemeanor for any person to use, set, place, maintain or tend, or cause to be used, set, placed, maintained or tended, any steel-jawed leg-hold trap. (Prior code § 6.04.049)