18/12/2017
Remember your sizes before you set
Think twice before setting those leg-hold traps!
Leg-hold traps (gin traps) have metal jaws designed to catch and hold an animal by a limb, usually the leg or foot.
The main animal welfare concerns are the injury and distress to the trapped animal, unnecessary suffering if they're held in the trap too long and the potential for suffering if injured animals escape.
The Animal Welfare (Leg-hold Traps) Order 2007 restricts the sale and use of leg-hold traps by size and type. There are two main types of traps: Double-coil and Longspring.
• The use and sale of Size 1 double-coil spring and longspring traps is permitted.
• Size 1-and-a-half double-coil spring traps are also permitted, provided they are manufactured and used with padding on the jaws.
• Double-coil traps larger than size 1-and-a-half and longspring traps larger than size 1 are prohibited and may not be used or sold.
Leg-hold traps normally have a size stamped on the foot plate. If the trap does not have a size stamped on it, our website has information on how to measure it.
Traps set in residential areas increase the risk of injury to pet cats and dogs. To protect pets, leg-hold trap may not be used within 150m of a dwelling without the permission of the occupier, or in any area where there is a probable risk of catching a pet animal.
The Animal Welfare Act also requires live-capture traps to be checked daily within 12 hours of sunrise, and places requirements on the treatment and humane killing of trapped animals.
For more information visit our website. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/animal-welfare/traps-and-devices/
If you have any queries or concerns, phone MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email [email protected]
