SB 5179 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Declares an intent to allow the use of safe and effective traps for the protection of life and property. It is also the intent to authorize the fish and wildlife commission to limit the use of inhumane traps when effective alternatives exist.

Provides that a person may use body-gripping traps to abate an animal problem if nonlethal control tools, such as guard animals, electric fencing, or box or cage traps are not effective in abating the animal problem.

Requires the commission to adopt rules to ensure body-gripping traps are used in a safe and humane manner. The rules may include trapping hours, seasons, area closures, trap checking frequency, and trap size and placement restrictions. The commission may prohibit the use of certain traps found to be inhumane when effective alternative traps are found to be widely available.