SB 5389 - DIGEST

Authorizes the fish and wildlife commission to manage the trapping of wild animals in Washington.

Requires a person to possess a department-issued Washington trapping license in order to lawfully trap wild animals in the state.

Requires the department of fish and wildlife to: (1) Establish a program for training persons in trapping techniques and responsibilities, including the use of trapping devices designed to painlessly capture or instantly kill; and

(2) Cooperate with Washington-based animal shelters, humane organizations, wildlife rehabilitation centers and similar entities providing animal care and rehabilitation services, hunter education groups, and Washington-based trapping organizations in the development and instruction of a curriculum for the training program.

Requires the fish and wildlife commission to: (1) Adopt and maintain a list of body-gripping traps that may be lawfully used;

(2) Adopt specific trap types for specific animal problems that are the most humane effective traps for the targeted animal problem; and

(3) Convene and maintain a trap type advisory panel to provide recommendations and guidance for identifying humane traps to be used for managing animal problems.

Provides penalties.