Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World 

August 2016

The Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Center

(202) 707-6462 (phone) • (866) 550-0442 (fax) • law@loc.gov • http://www.law.gov
This report is provided for reference purposes only. 

It does not constitute legal advice and does not represent the official 

opinion of the United States Government. The information provided 

reflects research undertaken as of the date of writing. 

It has not been updated.
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Compiled by the Staff of the Global Legal Research Directorate

The chart below contains information on laws regulating or banning the use of leg-hold traps in 108 jurisdictions. Where it was 

available, information on when each ban was established is included. In a number of jurisdictions the law generally regulates or bans 

all traps, or prohibits trapping in particular areas, without separately addressing the question of leg-hold traps; those jurisdictions have 

been included in the chart. Countries with laws that merely provide in general terms that animals must be treated humanely have not 

been included. Some countries, such as India and Sri Lanka, have at times considered restrictions on traps but to date have not 

adopted them; such countries are not listed here. The European Union (EU) entry identifies the 1991 European Economic Community 

(EEC) Council Regulation banning the use of leg-hold traps that is binding on all EU Member States; the entries on individual EU 

countries additionally provide citations to any national or local laws on the subject.

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Albania Use of traps prohibited. Ligji Nr. 10253 për gjuetinë [Law No. 10253 on Hunting], 

FLETORJA ZYRTARE [OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF 

ALBANIA], Mar. 11, 2010, No. 39/2010, art. 45.1(c), available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/alb132101.pdf, archived at 

https://perma.cc/MXJ2-5LKS.

Australia Serrated steel-jaw leghold traps banned in 

most Australian 

jurisdictions, with 

limited exceptions. 

Other types of leg-hold 

traps may be subject to 

regulations or 

restrictions. 

‘Round the Traps, THE PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENT BLOG 

(National Museum Australia, Nov. 20, 2015), https://pateblog. 

nma.gov.au/2015/11/20/round-the-traps/; archived at 

https://perma.cc/87PE-5GK7; see also State Trapping Legislation, 

WESTERN TRAPPING SUPPLIES, http://www.trapping.com. 

au/StateLeg.php (last visited June 13, 2016), archived at

https://perma.cc/MEF3-MWWT.

Varies by state

The Law Library of Congress 1
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Australia 

(continued)

State laws: 

Animal Welfare Act 1992 (ACT) s 60, http://www.legislation.act. 

gov.au/a/1992-45/current/pdf/1992-45.pdf, archived at 

https://perma.cc/H9FS-MWCT; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 

Act 1979 (NSW) s 23, http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/inforce/ 

af92116f-7d2d-60a9-f731-9dacdd705d05/1979-200.pdf, archived 

at https://perma.cc/FN5N-DRLR; Animal Welfare Act 2000 (NT) 

s 18, http://notes.nt.gov.au/dcm/legislat/legislat.nsf/ 

d989974724db65b1482561cf0017cbd2/5c6b5cd4d35105e469257f

b100258efc/$FILE/Repa046.pdf, archived at 

https://perma.cc/33YC-C6CZ; Animal Welfare Act 1985 (SA) s 

44, https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/ANIMAL%20 

WELFARE%20ACT%201985/CURRENT/1985.106.UN.PDF,

archived at https://perma.cc/F9QC-PPR4, and Animal Welfare 

Regulations 2012 (SA) reg 9, https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/ 

LZ/C/R/ANIMAL%20WELFARE%20REGULATIONS%202012

/CURRENT/2012.187.UN.PDF, archived at

https://perma.cc/MUM9-7LNS; Animal Welfare Act 1993 (Tas) s 

12, http://www.thelaw.tas.gov.au/tocview/index.w3p; 

cond=phrase;doc_id=63++1993+AT@EN+20040310000000;histo

n=;pdfauthverid=;prompt=;rec=;rtfauthverid=;term=Animal 

Welfare Act 1993;webauthverid, archived at 

https://perma.cc/CBQ2-HLW7; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 

Act 1986 (Vic) ss 15 & 15AB (effective 2008), 

http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LT

Object_Store/ltobjst9.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3

571/E4A34C99A2920B66CA257FA800821D7B/$FILE/86-

46aa088%20authorised.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/SZ9V79CM, and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2008 

The Law Library of Congress 2
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

(Vic) pt 2 div 3, http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/ 

Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/ltobjst9.nsf/DDE300B846EE

D9C7CA257616000A3571/13B846ADCD2A1CACCA257D8500

12C8E6/$FILE/08-162sra006%20authorised.pdf, archived at 

http://perma.cc/ZFS9-R2ME; Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA) s 

29, https://www.slp.wa.gov.au/pco/prod/FileStore.nsf/ 

Documents/MRDocument:24792P/$FILE/Animal Welfare Act 

2002 - [01-f0-03].pdf?OpenElement, archived at 

https://perma.cc/6N5X-G955, and Animal Welfare (General) 

Regulations 2003 (WA) regs 3 & 8, https://www.slp.wa.gov.au/ 

pco/prod/FileStore.nsf/Documents/MRDocument:24755P/$FILE/

Animal%20Welfare%20%28General%29%20Regulations%20200

3%20-%20%5B01-e0-05%5D.pdf?OpenElement, archived at 

https://perma.cc/NHY9-KBDN. 

Austria In addition to EEC 

Council Regulation 

prohibiting use of leghold traps, each state has 

some restrictions: 

Burgenland prohibits 

traps except live-catch 

traps that leave the 

animal unharmed & 

other traps that the state 

permits for furred game 

hunting if it is in the 

public interest; Carinthia

gives its regulatory

EEC Council Regulation (see European Union entry for full 

citation).

State laws: 

Gesetz vom 10. November 2004 über die Regelung des 

Jagdwesens im Burgenland (Bgld. Jagdgesetz 2004) [Hunting Act 

of Burgenland of 2004], LANDESGESETZBLATT [LGBL.] [STATE 

LAW GAZETTE] No. 11/2005, § 99, ¶¶ 1, 2, 3 & § 101, ¶ 1, no.7b,

https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung/LrBgld/20000317/Bgl

d.%20Jagdgesetz%202004%2c%20Fassung%20vom%2028.07.20

16.pdf, archived at http://perma.cc/DL85-X49T; Kärntner 

Jagdgesetz 2000 - K-JG [Hunting Act of Carinthia of 2000], 

LANDESGESETZBLATT [LGBL.] [STATE LAW GAZETTE] No. 

21/2000, § 68, ¶ 1, no. 4, § 68 ¶¶ 1, no. 6, &3, 

https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung/LrK/20000013/KVaries by state

The Law Library of Congress 3
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Austria

(continued)

agency discretion to 

grant permits for the use 

of leg-hold traps for up 

to two years for epidemic 

control, prevention of 

severe damage to 

agriculture, or protection 

of animal species, if 

strict conditions are 

observed; Lower Austria 

allows an exception to 

the ban on traps for livecatch box traps for wild 

boar and furred game 

hunting, and, with 

agency approval, for 

scientific purposes; 

Upper Austria limits the 

use of live-catch traps to 

certain furred and 

feathered game but the 

state agency may allow 

the use of leg-hold traps 

for epidemic control or 

the protection of poultry 

from predators; Salzburg 

prohibits traps that harm 

the animal but may 

permit them as needed to 

JG%2c%20Fassung%20vom%2028.07.2016.pdf, archived at 

http://perma.cc/29FN-ADZ2; NÖ Jagdgesetz 1974 (NÖ JG) 

[Hunting Act of Lower Austria of 1974] LANDESGESETZBLATT

[LGBL.] [STATE LAW GAZETTE] No. 6500-0, § 92, ¶ 1 & § 95, 

¶ 1, no. 9, https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/LrNO/LN 

O40004012/LNO40004012.pdf, archived at

http://perma.cc/VUY2-XTB9; Gesetz über die Regelung des 

Jagdwesens (Oö. Jagdgesetz) [Act to Regulate Hunting (Upper 

Austria Hunting Act)], LANDESGESETZBLATT [LGBL.] [STATE 

LAW GAZETTE] No. 32/1964, § 59, ¶¶ 1 & 2, 

https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung/LrOO/10000063/O%C

3%B6.%20Jagdgesetz%2c%20Fassung%20vom%2028.07.2016.p

df, archived at http://perma.cc/Q75W-KPER; Gesetz über das 

Jagdwesen im Land Salzburg (Jagdgesetz 1993 – JG) [Hunting 

Law of the State of Salzburg (Hunting Act of 1993)], 

LANDESGESETZBLATT [LGBL.] [STATE LAW GAZETTE] No. 

100/1993, § 70, ¶ 3h & § 72a, ¶¶ 1 &2, https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/ 

GeltendeFassung/LrSbg/10000930/JG%2c%20Fassung%20vom%

2028.07.2016.pdf, archived at http://perma.cc/7T63-DNGS; 

Steiermärkisches Jagdgesetz 1986 [Hunting Act of Styria of 

1986], LANDESGESETZBLATT [LGBL.] [STATE LAW GAZETTE] No. 

23/1986 (WV), § 58, ¶¶ 1, 3, & 3a, https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/ 

GeltendeFassung/LrStmk/20000850/Steierm%C3%A4rkisches%2

0Jagdgesetz%201986%2c%20Fassung%20vom%2028.07.2016.pd

f, archived at http://perma.cc/7QJU-GHWD; Tiroler Jagdgesetz 

2004 [TJG 2004] [Tyrol Hunting Act 2004], LANDESGESETZBLATT

[LGBL.] [STATE LAW GAZETTE] No. 41/2004, § 40, ¶¶ 1g & h, 

https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung/LrT/10000088/TJG 

2004, Fassung vom 28.07.2016.pdf, archived at

The Law Library of Congress 4
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

protect human life or 

health or for similar 

important public 

interests; Styria bans the 

use of leg-hold traps but 

allows the regulatory 

agency to permit them 

for cases of imminent 

danger, or research or 

teaching purposes; Tyrol

bans all traps that are 

cruel, including leg-hold 

traps; Vorarlberg bans 

traps but the state agency 

may permit them as a last 

resort on a case-by-case 

basis, for public health, 

safety, etc.; and Vienna

bans traps that do not 

capture the animal 

unharmed or that are 

non-selective traps.

http://perma.cc/2U7X-4YW9; Verordnung der Landesregierung 

über das Jagdwesen [State Regulation on Hunting], [LGBL.] 

LANDESGESETZBLATT 24/1995, § 20, ¶ b, § 20a, ¶¶ 1 & 2, 

https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung/LrVbg/20000568/Jagd

verordnung, Fassung vom 28.07.2016.pdf, archived at

http://perma.cc/ZY7H-MB48; Gesetz über die Regelung des 

Jagdwesens (Wiener Jagdgesetz) [Act to Regulate Hunting 

(Vienna Hunting Act)], LANDESGESETZBLATT [LGBL.] [STATE 

LAW GAZETTE] No. 1948/06, § 90, ¶ 1, no. 10, & ¶ 2, 

https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung/LrW/20000437/Wiene

r Jagdgesetz, Fassung vom 28.07.2016.pdf, archived at

http://perma.cc/B74F-XM9H; Gesetz mit dem das Wiener 

Jagdgesetz geändert wird [Act to Amend the Vienna Hunting Act], 

LANDESGESETZBLATT [LGBL.] [STATE LAW GAZETTE] No. 

34/2001, https://www.wien.gv.at/recht/landesrechtwien/landesgesetzblatt/jahrgang/2001/pdf/lg2001034.pdf,

archived at http://perma.cc/C34D-A2WN.

Azerbaijan Use of traps prohibited. Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of 

Azerbaijan No. 10 of Jan. 27, 2005 on Hunting Rules in the 

Republic of Azerbaijan, Part V, http://eco.gov.az/en/362-

azerbaycan-respublikasinin-erazisinde-ovculugun-aparilmasiqaydalari-nin-ve-ovculuq-teserrufatlari-haqqinda-esasname-nintesdiq-edilmesi-haqqinda-azerbaycan-respublikasi-nazirlerThe Law Library of Congress 5
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

kabinetinin-qerari, archived at https://perma.cc/LSQ3-MD8N

(in Azerbaijani).

Bangladesh Hunting of wild animals 

with the use of traps 

prohibited unless capture 

license granted.

Bangladesh Wild Life (Preservation) Order, No. 23 of 1973, 

§ 6(1), LAWS OF BANGLADESH, http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/ 

print_sections_all.php?id=452, archived at https://perma.cc/6CJBH795. 

1973

Belgium Use of leg-hold traps 

prohibited, both by EEC 

Council Regulation and 

by regional regulations 

for Flanders and the 

Brussels-Capital Region. 

Hunting in Wallonia 

mainly governed by 1882 

law that formerly also 

applied to the other 

two regions.

EEC Council Regulation; Décret du 24 juillet 1991 sur la chasse 

[Decree of 24 July 1991 on Hunting] (Flanders) (as amended to 

Dec. 29, 2015), art. 22, http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/ 

change_lg.pl?language=fr&la=F&cn=1991072430&table_name=l

oi, archived at https://perma.cc/V44D-QHX5; Loi du 28 fevrier 

1882 sur la chasse [Law of 28 February 1882 on Hunting] 

(Wallonia) (as amended to July 6, 2016), art. 8, 

http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/loi_a1.pl?sql=&language

=fr&rech=1&tri=dd%20AS%20RANK&value=&table_name=loi

&F=&cn=1882022830&caller=image_a1&fromtab=loi&la=F, 

archived at https://perma.cc/87LE-KZUU; Ordonnance du 1 mars 

2012 relative à la conservation de la nature [Ordinance of 1 March 

2012 Regarding the Conservation of Nature] (Brussels – Capital 

Region) (as amended up to June 18, 2014), 

http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=fr

&la=F&cn=2012030115&table_name=loi, archived at

https://perma.cc/E9PM-P59Y. 

Benin Use of traps prohibited. Loi 87-014 du 21 Septembre 1987 portant réglementation de la 

protection de la nature et de l’exercice de la chasse en République 

Populaire du Bénin [Law 87-014 of September 21, 1987 

Sept. 21, 1987

The Law Library of Congress 6
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Establishing the Regulations for the Protection of Nature and for 

Hunting in the Popular Republic of Benin], art. 13(d), available at

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/ben4577.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/QR3H-9DYV.

Bolivia Use of traps prohibited. Ley de Caza, Decreto-Ley 12301 1975 (Mar. 14, 1975), art. 81, 

https://www.elaw.org/es/content/bolivia-ley-de-vida-silvestreparques-nacionales-caza-y-pesca-en-espa%C3%B1ol, archived at

https://perma.cc/V76N-UBGJ. 

Bosnia and 

Herzegovina

Use of traps prohibited. Zakon o Lovstvu [Law on Hunting], SLUŽBENI GLASNIK BOSNE I 

HERCEGOVINE [OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE FEDERATION OF BOSNIA 

AND HERZEGOVINA], Feb. 1, 2006, No. 4/2006, art. 57(2), 

http://fmpvs.gov.ba/upload_files/1440589517-205_17_b.pdf, 

archived at https://perma.cc/H6UB-E4HJ.

Brazil All hunting, including by 

use of traps that mistreat 

game, prohibited.

Lei No. 5.197, de 3 de Janeiro de 1967, art. 10(a),

http://www.planalto. gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/L5197.htm, archived at 

https://perma.cc/ACR5-FQPK. 

1967

Bulgaria Use of traps prohibited. Zakon za Lova i Opazvane na Divecha [Law for Hunting and 

Protection of the Game], No. 78 of Sept. 26, 2000, as last 

amended Feb. 16, 2016, art. 65(2), http://www.lex.bg/laws/ldoc/ 

2134941184, archived at https://perma.cc/PRR8-N7DM, English 

translation available at http://lawyersforanimalprotection.eu/wpcontent/uploads/2012/10/LAW-FOR-HUNTING-ANDPROTECTION-OF-THE-GAME.pdf, archived at 

https://perma.cc/L5J2-QYRX. 

The Law Library of Congress 7
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Burkina Faso Use of traps prohibited. Loi 003-2011/AN portant Code Forestier au Burkina Faso [Law 

003-2011/AN Establishing the Forest Code of Burkina Faso] art. 

138, available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/bkf106703.pdf, 

archived at https://perma.cc/2DAU-ZLER, replacing Loi No. 

006/97/ADP du 31 janvier 1997 portant Code forestier au Burkina 

Faso [Law No. 006.97/ADP of 31 January 1997 Establishing a 

Forest Code in Burkina Faso] art. 131, http://www.droitafrique.com/upload/doc/burkina/Burkina-Code-forestier-1997.pdf, 

archived at https://perma.cc/5RGS-EKYJ (prohibiting the use of 

traps for hunting).

At least by Jan. 31, 

1997

Burundi All traps prohibited for 

hunting wild animals, 

unless Minister of 

Agriculture and Breeding 

gives special 

authorization.

Réglementation de la chasse et la protection des espèces animales 

[Regulation of Hunting and the Protection of Animal Species] ¶ 7,

available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/bur39353.pdf, archived 

at https://perma.cc/XYN3-QSSE. 

Cameroon Use of “unconventional 

devices” for hunting 

prohibited absent special 

authorization. Unclear 

whether leg-hold

traps considered “unconventional devices.”

Law No. 94-1 of 20 January 1994 to Lay Down Forestry, Wildlife 

and Fisheries Regulations arts. 80–81, available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/cmr4845.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/72VX-CFNU.

Jan. 20, 1994

The Law Library of Congress 8
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Canada Trapping regulated at

provincial/territorial 

level. No absolute 

prohibition on leg-hold 

and body-gripping traps, 

but certain types of such 

traps are certified for use 

for specific species, in 

accordance with the 

International Humane 

Trapping Standards; 

other types of leg-hold 

traps permitted on certain 

types of animals, 

depending on the 

province. Ontario, 

Quebec, and Alberta 

have highest trapping 

activity in Canada. 

Trapping Regulations, FUR INSTITUTE OF CANADA,

http://fur.ca/fur-trapping/trapping-regulations/, archived at 

https://perma.cc/GTZ6-TPW6 (last visited July 26, 2016); 

Certified Traps – AIHTS Implementation in Canada, FUR 

INSTITUTE OF CANADA, http://fur.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2015/10/Certified-Traps-List-FIC-May-1-2016-

Eng-8%C2%BD-X-14.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/76TUKYTY (last visited July 26, 2016); Canada’s Fur Trade: Facts 

and Figures, FUR INSTITUTE OF CANADA, http://fur.ca/furtrade/canadas-fur-trade-fact-figures/ (last visited July 26, 2016)

archived at https://perma.cc/LNM6-5DRT.

Sample provincial provisions:

Alberta: 2015-16 Alberta Guide to Trapping Regulations, FISH 

AND WILDLIFE OFFICES OF ALBERTA, http://albertaregulations.ca/ 

trappingregs/gen-regs.html (last visited July 26, 2016), archived at 

https://perma.cc/FW8X-VH3N.

Ontario: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 

41, https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/97f41#BK25, archived at 

https://perma.cc/2WJ7-JZ9H; Trapping, O. Reg. 667/98 (Can.), 

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/docs/980667_e.doc, archived at

https://perma.cc/E2GQ-PAPR.

Québec: Trapping Devices, MINISTÈRE DES FORÊTS, DE LA FAUNE 

ET DES PARCS DU QUÉBEC, https://www.mffp.gouv.qc.ca/ 

english/publications/online/wildlife/trapping-regulations/ 

devices/table_devices.asp (last visited July 26, 2016), archived at

https://perma.cc/HJ4Z-M78M. 

Varies by province

The Law Library of Congress 9
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Central African 

Rep.

Traps prohibited for 

hunting, except when 

made and used in such a 

way that they cannot 

reach animals listed as 

protected under Lists A 

and B of Annex II of 

Ordinance (art. 62). 

Minister in charge of 

wildlife may ban or limit 

use of traps that may 

compromise wildlife 

conservation (art. 63).

Ordonnance no 84-045 portant protection de la faune sauvage et 

réglementant l’exercice de la chasse en République centrafricaine 

[Ordinance 84-045 Establishing the Protection of Wildlife and 

Regulating Hunting in the Central Africa Republic] (July 27, 

1984), arts. 61–63, available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/texts/ 

caf4158.doc, archived at https://perma.cc/874H-M5BE.

July 27, 1984

Chad Use of traps prohibited. Loi 08-014 2008-06-10 PR portant régime des forêts, de la faune 

et des ressources halieutiques [Law 08-014 2008-06-10 PR 

Establishing the Regime of Forests, Wildlife, and Fisheries 

Resources] arts. 163 & 165, available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/html/cha117920.htm, archived at

https://perma.cc/32TK-7KQ8.

June 10, 2008

Chile Use of traps prohibited. Reglamento de la Ley de Caza 19473, Decreto 5, art. 25.c, DIARIO 

OFICIAL, Dec. 7, 1998, http://bcn.cl/1vsea, archived at

https://perma.cc/E3CJ-FKAN. 

China Use of traps when 

hunting wild animals 

prohibited.

Wildlife Protection Law [野生动物保护法] (adopted by the 

Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) on 

Nov. 8, 1988, rev. July 2, 2016, effective Jan. 1, 2017) art. 24, 

http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/xinwen/2016-07/04/content_ 

1992 law banned 

“hunting devices 

not directly 

operated by man 

The Law Library of Congress 10
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

1993249.htm, archived at https://perma.cc/EAF7-QYZP, 

unofficial English translation available at https://eiainternational.org/wp-content/uploads/WPL-FinalLaw_translation_July-5-2016.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/NW4J-3QKQ; Implementation Provisions of the 

Law on the Protection of Terrestrial Wildlife [陆生野生动物保护

法实施条例] (Ministry of Forestry, Mar. 1, 1992), 

http://www.forestry.gov.cn/main/3950/content-459885.html, 

archived at https://perma.cc/G4RM-FF4T.

and threatening the 

safety of livestock 

or human beings”; 

local ordinances 

also banned traps.

Comoros Use of traps prohibited. Décret no 47-2254 du 18 novembre 1947 règlementant la chasse 

dans les territoires africains relevant du ministère de la France 

d’Outre-Mer, modifié par le décret no 54-1920 du 24 décembre 

1954 [Decree 47-2254 of 18 November 1947 regulating hunting in 

African territories under the Administration of the Ministry of 

Overseas France, As Modified by Decree No. 54-1920 of 

December 1954], art. 25, available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/com4176.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/S2Z8-ETGW (decree dates from before 

Comorian independence, but appears to still be applicable).

Nov. 18, 1947

Congo, 

Democratic 

Rep. of the

Use of snares and net 

traps prohibited for sport 

hunting, unless special 

government 

authorization is given, 

and metal traps are 

generally prohibited. 

Government authorities 

Loi no 82-002 portant réglementation de la chasse [Law No. 82-

002 Establishing the Regulation of Hunting] art. 21, available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/cng4275.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/NL7M-MCBV; Arrêté n° 014/CAB/MIN/ENV/ 

2004 du 29 avril 2004 relatif aux mesures d’exécution de la loi n° 

82-002 du 28 mai 1982 portant réglementation de la chasse [Order 

No. 014/CAB/MIN/ENV/2004 of 29 April 2004 Regarding the 

Application Measures for Law No. 82-002 of 28 May 1982 

June 1, 1982

The Law Library of Congress 11
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

may also prohibit or 

regulate other hunting 

methods. Leg-hold traps

not specifically 

mentioned; collective 

hunting permits, which 

appear to be a type of 

permit meant only for 

Congolese citizens, only 

allow the use of 

traditional hunting tools, 

including traps made 

from local materials.

Establishing the Regulation of Hunting] art. 18, available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/cng61848.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/BCK5-RGQT.

Congo, Rep. of

the

Use of nontraditional 

traps or traps made from 

imported materials 

prohibited.

Loi no 48/83 définissant les conditions de la conservation et de 

l’exploitation de la faune sauvage [Law No. 48/83 Defining the 

Conditions of Conservation and Exploitation of Wildlife] (Apr. 

21, 1983), art. 36, http://www.mefdd.cg/no_cache/menuhaut/legislations/?tx_abdownloads_pi1[action]=getviewclickeddo

wnload&tx_abdownloads_pi1[uid]=4, archived at 

https://perma.cc/KL4A-GUYU. 

Apr. 21, 1983

Côte d’Ivoire Use of traps prohibited. Loi n° 65-225 du 4 août 1965 relative à la protection de la faune et 

à l’exercice de la chasse [Law No. No. 65-225 of 4 August 1965 

on the Protection of Wildlife and on Hunting] (Aug. 26, 1965, as 

amended in 1994), art. 4, available at

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/ivc89113.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/6YFG-22P2.

Aug. 26, 1965

The Law Library of Congress 12
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Croatia Use of traps prohibited. Zakon o lovstvu [Law on Hunting], NARODNE NOVINE [OFFICIAL 

GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA], Nov. 17, 2005, No. 

140/05, art. 64 (4), http://www.zakon.hr/z/422/Zakon-o-lovstvu, 

archived at https://perma.cc/8M3A-GQQT.

Cyprus Some traps, such as those 

with jaws, prohibited.

EEC Council Regulation; Law on the Protection and Treatment of 

Wild Birds and Animals, Law No. 152(I)/2003, art. 44, OFFICIAL 

GAZETTE OF CYPRUS REPUBLIC § (I), issue 3758, (Oct. 3, 2003), 

http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/arith/2003_1_152.pdf, archived at 

https://perma.cc/9J2N-7EXF (in Greek).

Jan. 1, 1995

Czech Rep. Use of leg-hold traps 

prohibited.

Zákon o Myslivosti [Hunting Law], Zákon č. 449/2001 Sb., § 45.1 

(a), http://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2001-449, archived at 

https://perma.cc/97YR-4M22. 

Denmark Use of traps that harm or 

kill mammals or birds 

prohibited.

EEC Council Regulation; § 32 item 1 Bekendtgørelse om 

vildtskader [BEK] nr 970 af 28/06/2016 [Regulation on Wildlife 

Injuries No. 970 of June 28, 2016], https://www.retsinformation. 

dk/Forms/R0710.aspx?id=182106, archived at

https://perma.cc/R4VG-K257; §14 LOV OM ÆNDRING AF LOV OM 

JAGTEN NR. 294 AF 9 JUNI 1982 [LAW NO. 294 OF JUNE 9, 1982,

AMENDING THE ACT ON HUNTING].

1982

Djibouti All hunting prohibited. Décret n° 2004-0065/PR/MHUEAT Portant protection de la 

biodiversité [Decree No. 2004-0065/PR/MHUEA Establishing the 

Protection of Biodiversity] (Apr. 22, 2004), art. 2, available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/texts/dji46297.doc, archived at

https://perma.cc/T7LB-DDS4. 

Apr. 22, 2004

The Law Library of Congress 13
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Dominican 

Republic

Use of traps prohibited. Ley 248-12 de Protección Animal y Tenencia Responsable [Law 

on Animal Protection], art. 60(4), GACETA OFICIAL [OFFICIAL 

GAZETTE] No. 10692, Aug. 5, 2012, http://www.consultoria.gov. 

do/consulta/ (search for law by entering 248-12 in “número” box), 

archived at https://perma.cc/K34R-KQGW.

Ecuador Use of traps prohibited. Ley de Protección de la Fauna Silvestre y de los Recursos 

Ictológicos, Decreto 818, art. 16.g, REGISTRO OFICIAL [RO], Nov. 

20, 1970, available at http://www.unesco.org/culture/natlaws/ 

media/pdf/ecuador/ecuador_decreto_818_17_11_1970_spa_orof.p

df, archived at https://perma.cc/AHZ7-WWSD; Ley de Control de 

Cacería Y Vedas de Especies de Fauna Silvestre, Decreto 

Ejecutivo 3516 Texto Unificado de Legislacion Secundaria del 

Ministerio del Ambiente, art. 108, RO, Mar. 21, 2003, 

http://www.agua.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2012/ 

07/TEXTO_UNIFICADO_LEGISLACION_SECUNDARIA_i.pd

f, archived at https://perma.cc/7Q2P-ZA5B. 

1970?

England and 

Wales

Prohibited to:

• use a spring trap that 

has not been 

approved by 

regulations,

• use an approved 

spring trap in a 

location designed to 

capture other animals 

that are protected by 

legislation, or 

Pests Act 1954, 2 & 3 Eliz. 2, c. 68, http://www.legislation. 

gov.uk/ukpga/Eliz2/2-3/68, archived at https://perma.cc/NYT3-

U2SQ; Small Ground Vermin Traps Order 1958, SI 1958/24, 

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1958/24/made, archived at 

https://perma.cc/BNL2-WBZ5; Spring Traps Approval (England) 

Order 2012, SI 2012/13, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ 

uksi/2012/13/made, archived at https://perma.cc/NHW3-C5K3;

Spring Traps Approval (Wales) Order 2012, SI 2012/2941 (W. 

300), http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2012/2941/made,

archived at https://perma.cc/9XQF-Y3WZ. 

1954

The Law Library of Congress 14
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

• offer for sale or sell 

any spring trap for 

any unlawful 

purpose. 

Exemption for rodents 

and small ground vermin.

European 

Union

Use of leg-hold traps 

prohibited.

Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3254/91 of 4 November 1991 

Prohibiting the Use of Leg-hold Traps in the Community and the 

Introduction into the Community of Pelts and Manufactured 

Goods of Certain Wild Animal Species Originating in Countries 

Which Catch Them by Means of Leghold Traps or Trapping 

Methods Which Do Not Meet International Humane Trapping 

Standards (elsewhere cited as EEC Council Regulation) art. 2, 

1991 O.J. (L 308) 1 (effective Jan. 1, 1995), http://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX: 

31991R3254&from=EN, archived at https://perma.cc/TGT2-

M2CS.

Jan. 1, 1995

Equatorial 

Guinea

Use of traps on 

endangered species 

prohibited.

Ley 7/2003 Reguladora del Medio Ambiente en Guinea Ecuatorial 

[Law 7/2003 Regulating the Environment in Equatorial Guinea], 

art. 41(a), Nov. 27, 2003, available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/ 

pdf/eqg102892.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/QJ7A-EHGE. 

Finland Leg-hold traps 

prohibited; use of all 

traps prohibited for 

hunting lynx, European 

beaver, Canadian beaver, 

EEC Council Regulation; § 11 Jaktförordning 12.7.1993/666 

[Hunting Regulation, Reg. No. 666 of July 7, 1993], 

http://finlex.fi/sv/laki/ajantasa/1993/19930666?search%5Btype%5

D=pika&search%5Bpika%5D=f%C3%A4llor, archived at

https://perma.cc/M79H-BJFU; § 39 Jaktlagen 13.04.1962/290, 

Limited to traps 

that immediately 

kill from 1983 

The Law Library of Congress 15
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

muskrat, farm-bred fox, 

red fox, raccoon dog, 

ermine, mink, polecat, 

pine martens, badgers, 

otters, wild rabbit, 

squirrel, Baltic ringed 

seal, aay seal, and other 

mammals that do not 

enjoy protective status. 

Traps must be designed 

so that animal does not 

hurt itself upon capture.

sådant det lyder i lag av den 18 mars 1983 (263/83) [Hunting Act 

No. 290 of April 13, 1962 as amended through amendment 

18.3.1983/263].

France Use of leg-hold traps 

prohibited by EEC 

Council Regulation. 

Prior to that, leg-hold

traps attached to a pole 

or with sharp teeth or 

notches were banned by 

a 1984 regulation, but

other leg-hold traps 

were permitted.

EEC Council Regulation; Arrêté du 23 mai 1984 relatif au 

piégeage des populations animales [Order of 23 May 1984 

Regarding the Trapping of Animals] (repealed July 1, 2007), art. 

21, https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid= 

9EC41DB77CC70B6AE71E8DF4047FDE70.tpdjo08v_1?cidText

e=LEGITEXT000006074744&dateTexte=19991210, archived at

https://perma.cc/WD6X-WBHD.

1984 for partial 

ban; Jan. 1, 1995,

for total ban

Gabon Use of metallic traps and 

steel snares prohibited.

Loi no 016-01 du 31 décembre 2001 portant code forestier en 

République gabonaise [Law No. 016-01 of 31 December 2001 

Establishing the Forest Code of the Gabonese Republic] art. 215,

available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/gab29255.pdf, archived 

at https://perma.cc/PGT7-CS46.

Dec. 31, 2001

The Law Library of Congress 16
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Gambia Manufacture, possession,

or use of nets, fences, or 

enclosures, or similar 

devises that can kill or 

capture a wild 

animal, banned.

Biodiversity and Wildlife Act, No. 11 of 2003, § 62, 9 LAWS OF 

THE GAMBIA, Cap. 62:01 (rev. ed. 2009), 

http://www.moeccww.gov.gm/sites/default/files/Biodiversity Act, 

2003.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/Z2W8-42Q7; Wildlife 

Conservation Act, No. 1 of 1977 (Feb. 14, 1977), available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/gam6280.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/Z6UJ-BFTS. 

At least as of 1977 

Germany Use of catching devices 

that do not hold animals

uninjured or do not kill

them immediately 

prohibited by federal 

law. Six German states 

apply federal law without 

change; the other ten 

have enacted additional 

legislation, as follows:

• Baden-Württemberg, 

Bavaria, & Berlin 

prohibit all traps.

• Hamburg prohibits 

all traps for furred 

game except for wild 

rabbits and small 

predators.

• Lower Saxony 

prohibits traps that 

EEC Council Regulation; Bundesjagdgesetz [BJagdG] [Federal 

Hunting Act], Sept. 29, 1976, BUNDESGESETZBLATT [BGBL.] 

[FEDERAL LAW GAZETTE] I at 2849, as amended, § 19, ¶ 1, nos. 8 

& 9, http://www. gesetze-im-internet.de/bundesrecht/ 

bjagdg/gesamt.pdf, archived at http://perma.cc/DZ84-E355, 

unofficial English translation available at http://www.cgerli.org/ 

fileadmin/user_upload/interne_Dokumente/Legislation/BJagdG20

08.pdf, archived at http://perma.cc/VS9Y-5JGX. 

State laws:

Jagd- und Wildtiermanagementgesetz [JWMG] [Hunting and Wild 

Animal Management Act] Nov. 25, 2014, GESETZBLATT [GBL.] 

[STATE LAW GAZETTE ] 2014 at 550, as amended, § 32, ¶ 3, 

http://www.landesrecht-bw.de/jportal/portal/t/aw2/page/ 

bsbawueprod.psml/screen/JWPDFScreen/filename/WildTManagG

_BW.pdf;jsessionid=58E8EC92C50651847D7E4FE58E90D995.j

p81, archived at http://perma.cc/3ARD-TY4W; Bayerisches 

Jagdgesetz [BayJG] [Bavarian Hunting Act], Oct. 13, 1978, 

BAYERISCHE RECHTSSAMMLUNG [BAYRS] [STATE LAW 

GAZETTE] V at 595, as amended, § 29, ¶ 2, no. 2, § 29, ¶ 3, no. 1, 

http://www.gesetze-bayern.de/Content/Document/BayJG/true, 

archived at http://perma.cc/4PPY-89TZ; Landesjagdgesetz Berlin 

1976

The Law Library of Congress 17
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Germany 

(continued)

kill immediately 

unless they have been 

approved by an 

institution recognized 

by the state hunting 

agency or under the 

rules of another 

German state.

• Rhineland-Palatinate 

allows traps that kill 

immediately only in 

enclosed areas with 

approval by the 

authorities.

• Saarland permits the 

use of all killing traps 

& all live-catching 

traps only for wild 

boar, furred game, or 

wild rabbits with a 

special trapping 

permit.

• Saxony bans all traps 

except those used 

with special 

permission.

• Schleswig-Holstein 

[LJagdG Bln] [Berlin State Hunting Act], Sept. 25, 2006, GESETZUND VERORDNUNGSBLATT BERLIN [BLN. GVBL.] [STATE LAW 

GAZETTE AND ORDINANCES] 2006 at 1006, § 22, ¶ 2, 

http://gesetze.berlin.de/jportal/?quelle=jlink&query=JagdG+BE&

psml=bsbeprod.psml&max=true&aiz=true, archived at 

http://perma.cc/3DE8-TYQY; Hamburgisches Jagdgesetz 

[HmbJagdG] [Hmburg Hunting Act], May 22, 1978, 

HAMBURGISCHES GESETZ-UND VERORDNUNGSBLATT [HMB 

GVBL.] [STATE GAZETTE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES] 1978 at 

162, § 16, ¶ 1, no. 3, http://www.landesrechthamburg.de/jportal/portal/page/bshaprod.psml;jsessionid=C5DC9

213123F78D23A2C4A08177C838C.jp23?showdoccase=1&st=lr

&doc.id=jlr-JagdGHArahmen&doc.part=X&doc.origin=bs, 

archived at http://perma.cc/F76L-XXDF; Niedersächsisches 

Jagdgesetz [NJagdG] [State Hunting Law of Lower Saxony], Mar. 

16, 2001, NIEDERSÄCHSISCHES GESETZ-UND VERORDNUNGSBLATT

[NDS. GVBL.] [STATE GAZETTE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES] No. 

7/2001 at 100, as amended, § 24, ¶ 2, sentence 2, http://www.ndsvoris.de/jportal/portal/t/1azo/page/bsvorisprod.psml;jsessionid=52

6F00909D776C63B738D6F48E8A8EB5.jp15?action=controls.jw.

PrintOrSaveDocumentContent&case=save, archived at 

http://perma.cc/9X4S-3DQV; Landesjagdgesetz Rheinland-Pfalz 

[LJG] [State Hunting Law of Rhineland-Palatinate], July 9, 2010, 

GESETZ-UND VERORDNUNGSBLATT RHEINLAND-PFALZ [RP 

GVBL.] [STATE GAZETTE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES FOR 

RHINELAND-PALATINATE ] 2010 at 149, as amended, § 23, ¶ 1 no. 

14, http://landesrecht.rlp.de/jportal/portal/t/1dz7/page/ 

bsrlpprod.psml?pid=Dokumentanzeige&showdoccase=1&js_peid

=Trefferliste&documentnumber=1&numberofresults=69&fromdo

The Law Library of Congress 18
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Germany

(continued)

adds a ban on the use 

of conibear traps.

• Thuringia permits 

traps only for wild 

rabbit and furred 

game hunting. 

ctodoc=yes&doc.id=jlr-JagdGRP2010rahmen&doc. 

part=X&doc.price=0.0&doc.hl=1#focuspoint, archived at

http://perma.cc/5LZD-ME8X; Saarländisches Jagdgesetz [SJG] 

[State Hunting Law of Saarland], May 27, 1998, AMTSBLATT 

[OFFICIAL GAZETTE] 1998 at 638, as amended, § 32, ¶1, nos. 2 & 

3, http://sl.juris.de/cgi-bin/landesrecht.py?d=http://sl.juris.de/sl/ 

gesamt/JagdG_SL_1998.htm#JagdG_SL_1998_rahmen, archived 

at http://perma.cc/9XX2-M77N; Sächsisches Jagdgesetz 

[SächsJagdG] [Hunting Act of Saxony], June 8, 2012, 

SÄCHSISCHES GESETZ- UD VERORDNUNGSBLATT [SächsGVBl.] 

[STATE GAZETTE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES] 2012 No. 10 at 308, 

as amended, § 18, ¶ 1, nos. 2& 3 and § 18, ¶ 2, 

http://www.revosax.sachsen.de/vorschrift_gesamt/12495/14570.ht

ml, archived at http://perma.cc/GE6Y-Y7MP; Landesverordnung 

über die Fangjagd [Fangjagdverordnung] [State Trapping 

Regulation], Aug. 5, 2013, GESETZ- UND VERORDNUNGSBLATT 

SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN [GVOBL.] [STATE GAZETTE OF LAWS AND 

ORDINANCES] 2013 at 350, as amended, § 1, no. 5, 

http://www.gesetze-rechtsprechung.sh.juris.de/jportal/portal/t/ 

17de/page/bsshoprod.psml;jsessionid=BCFE3C7A1D0E4F26CEA

B2EE0D626EAC0.jp20?action=controls.jw.PrintOrSaveDocumen

tContent&case=save, archived at http://perma.cc/PHR5-ZTCQ; 

Thüringer Jagdgesetz [ThJG] [Hunting Act of Thuringia], June 28, 

2016, GESETZ- UND VERORDNUNGSBLATT [GVBL.] [STATE 

GAZETTE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES] 2006 at 313, as amended, 

§ 29, ¶ 2, no. 1, http://landesrecht.thueringen.de/jportal/portal/ 

t/1efb/page/bsthueprod.psml;jsessionid=567E5615B08A1DA61B

9A75A3C26036D0.jp16?action=controls.jw.PrintOrSaveDocume

ntContent&case=save, archived at http://perma.cc/9D5A-S3QQ. 

The Law Library of Congress 19
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Ghana Manufacture, possession, 

or use of any “gin trap 

which may be used for 

the purpose of hunting or 

destroying any 

animal,” prohibited. 

Wildlife Conservation Regulations, 1971, § 4 (LI 685) (Mar. 4, 

1971), available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/gha40817.pdf, 

archived at https://perma.cc/FZ75-2VMV. 

At least as of 1971

Greece Use of leg-hold traps 

prohibited.

EEC Council Regulation. Jan. 1, 1995

Guatemala Use of traps prohibited. Ley General de Caza, Decreto 36-04 [General Hunting Law], art. 

24, DIARIO DE CENTRO AMÉRICA, Dec. 22, 2004, 

http://old.congreso.gob.gt/archivos/decretos/2004/gtdcx36-04.pdf, 

archived at, https://perma.cc/Y4EC-YPMS. 

2004

Guinea Use of traps prohibited 

except where 

government authorizes 

their use for certain 

capture operations.

Loi no L/97-038/AN du 9 décembre 1997 adoptant et promulguant 

le Code de protection de la faune sauvage et réglementation de la 

chasse [Law No. L/97-038/AN of 9 December 1997 Adopting and 

Promulgating the Code of Protection of Wildlife and Regulation 

of Hunting] arts. 95, 102 & 149, available at http://faolex.fao.org/ 

docs/pdf/gui12733.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/HL4GUQZD.

Dec. 25, 1997

Haiti Use of traps, cages, and 

snares prohibited; all 

hunting must be done 

with authorized rifle.

Décret du 31 mars 1971 organisant la surveillance et la police de 

la chasse, conformément à la convention ratifiée par la République 

d’Haiti, pour la protection de la nature et la préservation de la 

faune sauvage dans l’hémisphère occidental [Decree of March 31, 

1971, Organizing the Monitoring and Policing of Hunting in 

Apr. 1, 1971

The Law Library of Congress 20
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Accordance with the Convention Ratified by the Republic of Haiti 

for the Protection of Nature and the Preservation of Wildlife in the 

Western Hemisphere] art. 20, available at http://faolex.fao.org/ 

docs/pdf/hai4279.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/AG94-UWKV.

Hong Kong 

Special 

Administrative 

Region

Use of traps prohibited 

when hunting wild 

animals, except in 

accordance with special 

permit; possessing such 

appliances prohibited. 

Use of spring-back traps 

of a size and type 

commonly used to kill 

rats and mice allowed. 

Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (1997), Cap. 170, §§ 2, 7, 

http://www.legislation.gov.hk/eng/home.htm (enter Cap. number 

to locate text), archived at https://perma.cc/J954-DDTR; Wild 

Animals Protection (Approval of Hunting Appliances) Notice 

(1997), Cap. 170A, ¶ 2, http://www.legislation.gov.hk/ 

eng/home.htm (enter Cap. number to locate text), archived at

https://perma.cc/K5UC-KFHA.

On or by 

Jan. 1, 2000

Hungary Use of trapping methods 

such as leg-hold traps to 

capture animals 

prohibited.

1996. évi LV. törvény a vad védelméről, a vadgazdálkodásról, 

valamint a vadászatról [Law No. LV of 1996 on the Protection, 

Management and Hunting of Wildlife], July 3, 1999, as last 

consolidated Apr. 27, 2015, arts. 30 (1), 67 (3), & 102, available 

at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/hun10591.pdf, archived at 

https://perma.cc/6L63-AEDU.

Iceland Leg-hold traps banned 

except for rats, mice, 

mink, and foxes; traps 

used must receive prior 

approval from Icelandic 

Environment Agency. 

LÖG UM VERND, FRIÐUN OG VEIÐAR Á VILLTUM FUGLUM OG 

VILLTUM SPENDÝRUM ACT 1994 NR. 64 19. MAÍ [PROTECTION AND 

HUNTING OF WILD SPECIES ACT, 64/1994], art. 9 item 7, 

http://www.althingi.is/lagas/nuna/1994064.html, archived at 

https://perma.cc/ADY4-D58V. 

1994

The Law Library of Congress 21
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Iraq Use of iron leg-hold traps 

for hunting wild animals 

prohibited.

Law No. 17, 2010, art. 4 (a), 4148 al-Jariddah al-Rassmyiah 

(Mar. 15, 2010) available at http://www.iraq-lglaw.org/ar/webfm_send/323, archived at https://perma.cc/CY2VFLYD (in Arabic).

2010

Ireland Hunting wild birds or 

wild mammals with traps 

prohibited. Importing, 

offering for sale, or 

selling traps prohibited

unless permitted by other 

legislation. Spring traps 

generally outlawed by 

regulation, but gin traps 

designed to cause 

immediate death, or 

immediate 

unconsciousness and 

then death, allowed.

Ground Game Act 1880, 43 & 44 Vict. c. 47, 

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1880/47/pdfs/ukpga_188000

47_en.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/6N25-WWEX; Wildlife 

Act 1976, No. 39 of 1976 (as amended), 

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1976/act/39/enacted/en/print, 

archived at https://perma.cc/JR9A-C9NH; Wildlife Act 1976 

(Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003, SI 

620/2003, http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2003/si/ 

620/made/en/print, archived at https://perma.cc/WY6F-2M37. 

1880

Israel Use of traps, nets, or glue 

prohibited for hunting 

wild animals. Some 

local authorities have 

issued similar prohibition 

on use of animal traps of 

any kind in their public 

parks, including 

Herzliya, Hadera, Hulon, 

Wild Animals Protection Law, 5715-1955, §§ 1 & 5, SEFER 

HAHUKIM [BOOK OF LAWS, official gazette] 5715 No. 170 p. 10, 

as amended, available in the Nevo Legal Database (NEVO), 

http://www.nevo.co.il (subscription database, in Hebrew); Local 

Law for Herzlia (Prevention of Hazards and Preservation of Order 

and Cleanliness) 5750-1988, § 44, KOVETZ HATAKANOT [KT] 

[SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION] 5750 No. 412 p. 34, available at 

NEVO; Local Law for Hadera (Prevention of Hazards and 

Preservation of Order and Cleanliness) 5744-1984, § 44, KT 5744 

The Law Library of Congress 22
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Haifa, and Kfar Saba. No. 212 p. 256, available at NEVO; Local Law for Hulon 

(Prevention of Hazards and Preservation of Order and Cleanliness) 

5742-1982, § 44, KT 5742 No. 142 p. 902, available at NEVO; 

Local Law for Haifa (Preservation of Order and Cleanliness) 

5742-1981, § 29B, KT 5742 No. 142 p. 106, available at NEVO; 

Local Law for Kfar Saba (Environment Protection and Prevention 

of Hazards) 5768-2008, § 52, KT 5742 No. 218 p. 243, available 

at NEVO. 

Italy Use of leg-hold traps 

(tagliole) for hunting 

prohibited.

EEC Council Regulation; Legge 11 febbraio 1992, n. 157 Norme 

per la protezione della fauna selvatica omeoterma e per il prelievo 

venatorio [Law No. 157 of Feb. 11, 1992, on Protection of Warmblooded Wildlife and the Hunting of Specimens], art. 21(1)(u), 

GAZETTA UFFICIALE No. 46, Feb. 25, 1992, 

http://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir: 

stato:legge:1992;157, archived at https://perma.cc/WMJ3-JZWU.

1992

Japan Use of leg-hold traps 

prohibited.

Wildlife Protection and Hunting Management Law, Act No. 88 of 

2002, amended by Act No. 46 of 2014, art. 12, ¶ 1, item 3, 

http://law.e-gov.go.jp/cgi-bin/idxselect.cgi?IDX_OPT= 

1&H_NAME=%92%b9%8f%62%82%cc%95%db%8c%ec&H_N

AME_YOMI=%82%a0&H_NO_GENGO=H&H_NO_YEAR=&

H_NO_TYPE=2&H_NO_NO=&H_FILE_NAME=H14HO088&

H_RYAKU=1&H_CTG=1&H_YOMI_GUN=1&H_CTG_GUN=

1 (in Japanese), archived at https://perma.cc/R4W5-24N4; 

Enforcement Ordinance of Wildlife Protection and Hunting 

Management Law, Ministry of Environment (MOE) Ordinance 

No. 28 of 2002, amended by MOE Ordinance No. 41 of 2015, art. 

10, ¶ 3, items 9 & 10, http://law.e-gov.go.jp/cgiEnacted 2006; 

effective Apr. 16, 

2007

The Law Library of Congress 23
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

bin/idxselect.cgi?IDX_OPT=1&H_NAME=%92%b9%8f%62%82

%cc%95%db%8c%ec%8b%79%82%d1%8a%c7%97%9d%95%c

0%82%d1%82%c9%8e%eb%97%c2%82%cc%93%4b%90%b3%

89%bb%82%c9%8a%d6%82%b7%82%e9%96%40%97%a5&H_

NAME_YOMI=%82%a0&H_NO_GENGO=H&H_NO_YEAR=

&H_NO_TYPE=2&H_NO_NO=&H_FILE_NAME=H14F18001

000028&H_RYAKU=1&H_CTG=1&H_YOMI_GUN=1&H_CT

G_GUN=1 (in Japanese), archived at https://perma.cc/LR9V35DY (both in Japanese).

Jordan All types of traps 

prohibited for hunting. 

Law No. 13, 2015, 5337, art. 56 (c) (10), al-Jariddah alRassmyiah (Mar. 8, 2015) p. 1868, http://www.moa.gov.jo/ 

Portals/0/law/2015 لسنة 13 رقم الزراعة قانون.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/QMA9-7BPX (in Arabic).

2015

Kazakhstan Use of traps for hunting 

brown bears, hooved 

animals, or birds

prohibited. Large traps 

must have clear warning 

signs visible to humans. 

Other types of traps 

allowed subject to noted 

use restriction.

Prikaz ispolniaiuschego obiazonnosti Ministra Selskogo 

Khoziaistva Respubliki Kazakhstan Ob utverzhdenii Pravil okhoty 

[Order of the Acting Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of 

Kazakhstan on Hunting Rules], No. 18-03/157 of Feb. 27, 2015,

§§ 13(5), 18(21), http://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/V1500011091, 

archived at https://perma.cc/U4UX-XGJG (in Russian).

Kenya Use of snares, traps, or 

any other device 

designed to cause 

“unnecessary suffering to 

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, No. 42 of 1962, § 6, 16 

LAWS OF KENYA, Cap. 260 (rev. ed. 2015), 

http://www.kenyalaw.org/lex/actview.xql?actid=CAP.%20360&te

rm=leghold%20trap, archived at https://perma.cc/2YQV-GLW6; 

1962 

The Law Library of Congress 24
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

an animal” banned in 

1962; any use of snares, 

traps, or similar devices 

without authorization 

banned in 2013.

Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, No. 47 of 2013 (Jan. 

10, 2013), http://www.kenyalaw.org/lex//actview.xql?actid=No. 

47 of 2013, archived at https://perma.cc/MED6-9UTK. 

Kosovo Use of traps for hunting 

prohibited.

Ligji Nr. 02/L-53 për gjuetinë [Law No. 02/L-53 on Hunting], 

GAZETA ZYRTARE [OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF 

KOSOVO], Jan. 1, 2007, No. 8, art. 9.3(c), http://gzk.rksgov.net/ActDocumentDetail.aspx?ActID=2433, archived at 

https://perma.cc/WW2W-45BR (in Albanian).

Latvia Hunting while using 

“[l]eg-hold traps and 

traps or snares which 

work nonselectively 

according to the terms 

for use or conditions for 

use” is illegal.

Hunting Law of July 8, 2003, as last amended Nov. 26, 2015, 

§ 24(9)(h), http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=77455, archived at 

https://perma.cc/A5DX-QWEH (in Latvian).

Liechtenstein Use of all snares and use 

of traps that capture/kill 

animals in large 

quantities or 

nonselectively 

prohibited.

Jagdgesetz [Hunting Act], Jan. 30, 1962, LIECHTENSTEINISCHES 

LANDESGESETZBLATT NUMMER [LIECHTENSTEIN LGBL.-NR.] 

[LIECHTENSTEIN OFFICIAL LAW GAZETTE NO.] 1962.004, art. 34a, 

para. 1(a), as amended, https://www.gesetze.li/lilexprod/ 

lgsystpage2.jsp?search_text=JAGDGESETZ&search_loc=text&re

chts_gebiet=0&menu=0&tablesel=0&observe_date=21.07.2016&

formname=showlaw&lgblid=1962004000&version=4, archived at 

http://perma.cc/846K-C6QW.

1995

The Law Library of Congress 25
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Lithuania Use of traps that could 

injure captured animals,

or may not kill animal 

instantly, prohibited.

Hunting Rules of the Republic of Lithuania No. 258 of June 27, 

2000, as last amended June 23, 2016, art. 58 (26), https://www.etar.lt/portal/en/legalAct/TAR.308F43BA7D00/tWFoyLTwUp, 

archived at https://perma.cc/2TQV-SR8Z (in Lithuanian). 

Luxembourg Use of leg-hold traps 

prohibited by EEC 

Council Regulation and 

by domestic regulation 

and legislation, from 

1994 onward. Use of 

any type of trap for 

hunting abolished 

in 2011.

EEC Council Regulation; Règlement grand-ducal du 1er décembre 

1993 fixant certaines modalités d’application du règlement (CEE) 

No. 3254/91 du 4 novembre 1991 interdisant l’utilisation du piège 

à mâchoires dans la Communauté et l’introduction dans la 

Communauté de fourrures et de produits manufacturés de 

certaines espèces animales sauvages provenant de pays qui 

utilisent pour leur capture le piège à mâchoires ou des méthodes 

non conformes aux normes internationales de piégeage sans 

cruauté [Grand-Ducal Regulation of 1 December 1993 

Establishing Certain Application Measures for Regulation (EEC) 

No. 3254/91 of 4 November 1991 Prohibiting the Use of Leg-hold 

Traps in the Community and the Introduction into the Community 

of Pelts and Manufactured Goods of Certain Wild Animal Species 

Originating in Countries Which Catch Them by Means of Leghold 

Traps or Trapping Methods Which Do Not Meet International 

Humane Trapping Standards] art. 1, http://www.environnement.

public.lu/dechets/dossiers/centres_de_recyclage/regl_parc_conten

eurs.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/KFM8-VNL5; Loi du 25 

mai 2011 relative à la chasse [Law of M25 May 2011 Regarding 

Hunting] art. 10, http://www.legilux.public.lu/leg/a/archives/2011/ 

0111/a111.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/KX9A-TERR.

Jan. 1, 1994

The Law Library of Congress 26
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Macedonia Hunting with traps 

prohibited.

Zakon za Lovstvo [Law on Hunting], SLUŽBEN VESNIK [OFFICIAL 

GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA], Feb. 24, 2009, No. 

26, art. 54, http://www.mzsv.gov.mk/files/Zakon_za_ 

lovstvoto.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/Y2QY-4LYD.

Malawi Possession or use of traps

within national park or 

wildlife service area 

prohibited absent 

authorization. Sale, 

manufacture, or use of 

any trap, net, snare, or 

similar substance/device 

for hunting protected 

animals banned. 

National Parks and Wildlife Act, No. 11 of 1992, §§ 33 & 66 

(May. 15, 1992), available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/ 

html/mlw4733.htm, archived at https://perma.cc/F3RU-AQXA; 

Game Rules of 1927, § 3, III LAWS OF NYASALAND, Cap. 70 (rev. 

ed. 1933).

At least as of 1933 

Malaysia Possession and use of 

any snare for hunting 

wildlife prohibited; legal 

definition of “snare”

appears to include leghold traps.

Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, s 29 & sch. 7, available at 

https://www.unodc.org/res/cld/document/wildlife-conservationact-2010_html/Wildlife_Conservation_Act_2010.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/U3YK-MAYY. 

2010

Mali Use of traps and snares 

prohibited, unless 

authorized for ritual 

hunting, protection of 

persons/property, or 

capture operations.

Décret no 97-052/P-RM déterminant les modalités et conditions 

d’exercice des droits conférés par les titres de chasse [Decree No. 

97-052/P-RM Determining the Terms and Conditions of the 

Exercise of Rights Conferred by Hunting Titles] arts. 11–12,

available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mli10249.pdf, archived 

at https://perma.cc/8HBQ-YKV5.

Jan. 31, 1997

The Law Library of Congress 27
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Mauritania Use of traps and snares 

prohibited, unless 

authorized for protection 

of persons and property.

Loi no 97-006 du 20 janvier 1997 abrogeant et remplaçant la loi no 

75-003 du 15 janvier 1975 portant Code de la chasse et de la 

protection de la nature [Law No. 97-006 of 20 January 1997 

Repealing and Replacing Law 75-003 of 15 January 1975 

Establishing the Hunting and Nature Protection Code] arts. 15–16,

available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mau10273.pdf, 

archived at https://perma.cc/ZFF6-MPRV.

Jan. 20, 1997

Mauritius Use of snares or gin traps 

for hunting wildlife 

prohibited.

Native Terrestrial Biodiversity and National Parks Act, No. 14 of 

2015, § 26 (Oct. 23, 2015), http://mauritiusassembly.govmu. 

org/English/acts/Documents/2015/act1415.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/8MKV-4J4T; Wildlife Act, No. 33 of 1983, § 6, 4 

MAURITIUS LAWS (rev. ed. 1990).

At least as of 1990

Mexico Use of traps prohibited. Ley General de Vida Silvestre [General Law on Wildlife], as 

amended through May 2016, art. 95(a), DIARIO OFICIAL DE LA 

FEDERACIÓN, July 3, 2000, http://www.diputados.gob.mx/ 

LeyesBiblio/pdf/146_130516.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/2LH7-CSCF.

Moldova Use of traps for hunting 

prohibited and 

considered poaching.

Zakon o Zhivotnom Mire [Law on Wildlife] No. 439 of Apr. 27, 

1995, last amended Dec. 3, 2015, art. 35(d), http://lex.justice.md/ 

viewdoc.php?action=view&view=doc&id=311667&lang=2, 

archived at https://perma.cc/G745-U77J (in Russian).

1995

Montenegro Use of traps prohibited. Zakon o Divljači i Lovstvu [Law on Wild Animals and Hunting]

arts. 41, 66(8), SLUŽBENI LIST [OFFICIAL GAZETTE], July 29, 2008, 

No. 52/2008, available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mne 

139648.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/YN2W-2TRV.

The Law Library of Congress 28
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Mozambique Use of methods, 

including mechanical 

traps, that result in 

indiscriminate killing of 

species or individual

animals prohibited.

Lei de Florestas e Fauna Bravia [Law of the Forest and Wildlife], 

Lei No. 10/99, de 7 de Julho (July 7, 1999), art. 24, 

http://www.minag.gov.mz/images/stories/pdf_files/legislacao/LEI

%20DE%20FLORESTAS%20E%20FAUNA%20BRAVIA.pdf, 

archived at https://perma.cc/NZ8U-YQ6S; Lei No. 16/2014, de 20 

de Junho (June 20, 2014), art. 32, available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/moz134834.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/PE3A-RK77. 

1999

Namibia Use of traps or other 

devices for capturing or 

destroying any animal 

prohibited unless 

necessary to protect 

property or prevent 

disease. Sale of traps or 

other devices, except 

those meant for targeting 

rodents, prohibited 

absent permit.

Permission needed to 

bring traps into game 

parks or nature preserves, 

as well as to use traps to 

capture wild animals. 

Animals Protection Act, No. 71 of 1962, § 2 (Jan. 1, 1973), 

available at http://www.lac.org.na/laws/annoSA/ANIMALS 

(1962) - Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 (annotated).pdf, 

archived at https://perma.cc/69EA-PDV5; Nature Conservation 

Ordinance, No. 4 of 1975, §§ 18, 40 & 42 (June 20, 1975), 

available at http://www.lac.org.na/laws/annoSWA/ 

ENVIRONMENT (1975) - Nature Conservation Ordinance 4 of 

1975 (annotated).pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/98SH-NY8H.

At least as of 1973 

Netherlands Leg-hold traps prohibited 

except in some 

circumstances, including 

Amending Regulation Designating Endangered Exotic Animal and 

Plant Species and Amending the Exemption Scheme for 

Endangered Exotic Animal and Plant Species (Dec. 24, 1995, in 

Jan. 1, 1996

The Law Library of Congress 29
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

damage control or to 

protect public health. 

force Jan. 1, 1996), STCRT 1995, 251, https://zoek.officiele 

bekendmakingen.nl/stcrt-1995-251-p16-SC4864.html? 

zoekcriteria=?zkt=Uitgebreid&pst=Staatscourant&vrt=3254&zkd

=InDeGeheleText&dpr=AnderePeriode&spd=19951212&epd=19

960312&sdt=DatumPublicatie&planId=&pnr=1&rpp=10&resultI

ndex=2&sorttype=1&sortorder=4, archived at 

https://perma.cc/7LYA-YRM5 (in Dutch); Act of May 25, 1998, 

Containing Rules Relative to the Protection of Wild Plant and 

Animal Species (Flora and Fauna Act) (as last amended Apr. 14, 

2016), arts. 15a & 15b, http://wetten.overheid.nl/ 

BWBR0009640/2016-04-14, archived at https://perma.cc/9H5CRAXQ (in Dutch); Decree Containing Rules Relative to 

Management and Prevention of Damage Caused by Animals 

(Decree on Animal Management and Damage Control) (Nov. 28, 

2000, as last amended effective Feb. 1, 2012), arts. 5 & 9, 

http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0011849/2012-02-01, archived at 

https://perma.cc/USP8-4UPB (in Dutch) (permitting leg-hold traps 

for capture of some animals, including mice, voles, and rats). 

New Zealand Sale and use of leg-hold 

traps highly restricted, 

and certain types 

prohibited; ministerial 

approval may be granted 

in limited situations if in 

the public interest and no 

viable alternative exists.

Animal Welfare Act 1999, ss 32–37, http://www.legislation.govt. 

nz/act/public/1999/0142/latest/whole.html, archived at 

https://perma.cc/8HU2-74F6; Animal Welfare (Leg-Hold Traps) 

Order 2007, http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/ 

2007/0353/latest/whole.html, archived at https://perma.cc/2SZCDWUP. See also Traps and Devices, MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY 

INDUSTRIES, https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-andresponse/animal-welfare/traps-and-devices/ (last visited Dec. 4, 

2015; Ministry for Primary Industries, Leg-Hold Traps and the 

Different 

restrictions in the 

Order came into 

effect between Jan. 

2008 and Jan. 2011

The Law Library of Congress 30
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Animal Welfare Act 1999 (Dec. 2011), https://www.mpi.govt. 

nz/document-vault/1466, archived at https://perma.cc/YU2YB7FZ. 

Northern 

Ireland

Use of spring traps 

limited to those that have 

been approved for 

specified purposes. 

Traps must not be set in a 

position that would trap 

or injure animals 

specified in Schedule 5 

of Order.

Wildlife (Northern Ireland ) Order 1985, SI 1985/171 

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1985/171, archived at 

https://perma.cc/CF38-6DWB; Protection of Animals Act 1911 

1& 2 Geo. 5, c. 27, § 10, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ 

ukpga/Geo5/1-2/27, archived at https://perma.cc/B9S6-AZRA; 

Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, c. 

15 § 11, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2011/15, archived at

https://perma.cc/WX9F-MVMX. 

1985

Norway Use of traps prohibited 

except to catch small 

animals such as rats 

and mice.

LOV OM JAKT OG FANGST AV VILT (VILTLOVEN) [ACT ON HUNTING 

AND CAPTURE OF WILD ANIMALS (WILD ANIMALS ACT)], LOV1981-05-29-38 [ACT NO. 38 OF MAY 29, 1981], § 24, 

https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1981-05-29-

38/KAPITTEL_6?q=jakt#KAPITTEL_6, archived at

https://perma.cc/5K9Z-QFKP; §§ 47–48 JAKTLOVEN (LOV NR. 7

AF 14 DES 1951) [HUNTING ACT (No. 7 of Dec. 14 1951)].

Use of traps limited 

to only certain 

smaller animals as 

of 1951 

Pakistan Most wildlife protection 

legislation provincially 

based, with similar 

provisions modeled on 

1970 committee 

recommendations. Use

of snares or other traps

PAKISTAN MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, OFFICE OF INSPECTOR 

GENERAL FORESTS ISLAMABAD, FINAL REPORT: POLICY & LEGAL 

REFORM STUDY (GEF – PROTECTED AREAS MANAGEMENT 

PROJECT) 29 & 33 (1970), http://sustainableinitiatives.org.pk/da/ 

Government Documents/Policy and Strategy/Protected Areas 

Management Ministry of Environment.pdf, archived at 

https://perma.cc/M3XK-D2TX. 

Varies by province

The Law Library of Congress 31
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

for hunting wild animals

generally prohibited, but 

exceptions granted for 

scientific or 

public purposes. 

Sample provincial laws:

Punjab: Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation 

and Management) Act, No. 2 of 1974, § 9(i), 

http://punjablaws.gov.pk/laws/290.html, archived at

https://perma.cc/GC4D-P9PJ; Sindh: Sindh Wildlife Protection 

Ordinance, No. 5 of 1972, § 7(iii), http://www.wsip.com.pk/ 

documents/sinddh_%20wildlife.pdf, archived at 

https://perma.cc/V5VE-2722. 

Panama Use of traps prohibited. Ley No. 39 que modifica y adiciona artículos a la Ley 24 de 1995, 

sobre vida silvestre [Law No. 39 Amending . . . the Law on 

Wildlife] art. 59, Nov. 24, 2005, available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/pan108640.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/DTA4-Z59V.

Paraguay Use of traps prohibited. Ley de Vida Silvestre, Ley 96, art. 54.e, BOLETÍN OFICIAL (Dec. 

24, 1992), http://www.bacn.gov.py/MjM5MQ==&ley-n-96, 

archived at https://perma.cc/9X23-82DE. 

Peru Use of traps prohibited. Reglamento de Fauna Silvestre [Wildlife Regulation], Decreto 

Supremo No. 019-2015, Ministerio de Agricultura (Sept. 29, 

2015), art. 191.3, §§ q, y, & x, http://minagri.gob.pe/portal/ 

download/pdf/marcolegal/normaslegales/decretossupremos/2015/d

s19-2015-minagri.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/KXS5-28HT.

Poland Use of live traps for 

hunting predators 

permitted. No 

information found 

Ustawa z dnia 13 października 1995 r. Prawo Lowieckie [Law of 

Oct. 13, 1995, Hunting Law] with the latest amendments of Nov. 

27, 2015, art. 44(a), DZIENNIK USTAW RZECZYPOSPOLITEJ 

POLSKIEJ [OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE POLISH REPUBLIC], Dec. 22, 

The Law Library of Congress 32
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

regarding types of traps 

that may be prohibited. 

2015, item 2168, http://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/du/2015/2168/1 (last 

visited July 17, 2016), archived at https://perma.cc/S3ER-4EEK

(in Polish).

Portugal Use of nonselective traps 

that may cause local 

extinction of species 

prohibited.

EEC Council Regulation; Decreto-Lei [Decree-Law] No. 140/99, 

de 24 de Abril (Apr. 24, 1999), http://www.spea.pt/fotos/ 

editor2/dl_140_1999transposicaodirectivaaves.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/BK2G-A3CH, as amended by Decreto-Lei No. 

49/2005, de 24 de Fevereiro (Feb. 24, 2005), art. 13, 

http://www.spea.pt/fotos/editor2/dl_49_2005transposicaodirectiva

aves.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/W9VZ-MMF9. 

Jan. 1, 1995

Russia Leg-hold restraining 

traps with steel arches to 

catch wolf, raccoon, 

lynx, badger, pine 

marten, sable, ermine, 

otter, beaver, and 

muskrat prohibited.

Prikaz Ministerstva Prirodnykh Resursov i Ekologii Rossiiskoi 

Federatsii O vnesenii izmeneniia v Pravila okhoty [Order of the 

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian 

Federation on Amendments to Hunting Rules] No. 373 of Nov. 8, 

2012, approved by Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources and 

Environment of the Russian Federation No. 512 of Nov. 16, 2010, 

ROSSISKAIA GAZETA (Feb. 8, 2013), https://rg.ru/2013/02/08/ 

ohota-dok.html, archived at https://perma.cc/HS53-QTGG. 

2012

Rwanda Use of traps prohibited. Décret-loi du 26 avril 1974 portant confirmation et modification 

de l’ordonnance-loi du 18 juin 1973 portant création de l’Office 

rwandais du tourisme et des parcs nationaux [Law-Decree of April 

26, 1974, Establishing Confirmation and Modification of the 

Ordinance-Law of June 18, 1973, Establishing the Creation of the 

Rwandan Office of Tourism and National Parks] art. 50, 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/rwa4261.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/F73X-VF8N.

Apr. 26, 1974

The Law Library of Congress 33
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

São Tomé e 

Príncipe

Use of mechanical traps, 

among other hunting 

methods, prohibited.

Decreto Lei No 01/2016 Aprova o Regulamento sobre a Caça 

[Approving the Regulation of Hunting] art. 22(4)(a), DIÁRIO DA 

REPÚBLICA, No. 18, Mar. 11, 2016, available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/sao154193.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/8C8U-JYG7. 

2016

Scotland Use of unapproved 

spring traps, use of 

approved spring trap in a 

location designed to 

capture legally protected 

animals, or offering for 

sale/selling any spring 

trap for unlawful 

purposes prohibited. 

Exception exists for use 

of spring traps designed 

to break the backs of rats, 

mice, and voles, and to 

catch moles in runs.

Agriculture (Scotland) Act 1948, 11 & 12 Geo. 6, c. 45, 

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/11-12/45, archived at 

https://perma.cc/T2DA-RFCF; Small Ground Vermin Traps Order 

1958, SI 1958/24, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/ 

1958/24/made, archived at https://perma.cc/4WYF-7A74.

1948

Senegal Use of traps prohibited in 

national parks.

Décret no 86-844 portant Code de la chasse et de la protection de 

la faune – Partie règlementaire [Decree No. 86-844 Establishing 

the Hunting and Wildlife Protection Code – Regulatory Part] art. 

D39, available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/sen4473.pdf, 

archived at https://perma.cc/AEE5-WQ75.

July 14, 1986

The Law Library of Congress 34
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Serbia Use of traps prohibited. Zakon o Divljači i Lovstvu [Law on Wild Animals and Hunting]

No. 18/2010, art. 76(7), SLUŽBENI GLASNIK [OFFICIAL GAZETTE 

OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA], Mar. 26, 2010, 

http://www.srbijasume.rs/pdf/zakon_divljac_lovstvo.pdf, archived 

at https://perma.cc/Q97R-EGBW.

Sierra Leone Possession without 

permission of gin, trap,

or snare while in a 

national park, game 

reserve, or nonhunting 

forest prohibited. 

Wildlife Conservation Act, No. 27 of 1972 (Jan. 8, 1973), 

available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/sie41659.pdf, archived 

at https://perma.cc/GZ8Z-FFLL. 

1973

Singapore Person who “nets, snares 

or takes by means of any 

contrivance” a wild 

animal or bird as 

prohibited by the Act is 

punishable by a fine and 

subject to forfeiture of 

the wild animal or bird.

Wild Animals and Birds Act (Chapter 351) (revised Dec. 30, 

2000) § 8(d), SINGAPORE STATUTES ONLINE, 

http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;query=Statu

s:curinforce Type:act,sl Content:"Wild";rec=1;resUrl= 

http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/summary/results.w3p;query=S

tatus%3Acurinforce%20Type%3Aact,sl%20Content%3A%22Wil

d%22;whole=no, archived at https://perma.cc/756Z-BMUT. 

On or before Dec. 

30, 2000

Slovakia Use of leg-hold traps 

prohibited.

Zákon o Poľovníctve a o Zmene a Doplnení Niektorých Zákonov 

[Hunting Law and Amendments to Certain Laws], Zákon č. 

274/2009 Zb., § 65.2(a), http://www.zakonypreludi.sk/zz/2009-

274, archived at https://perma.cc/ZJQ2-YDJK. 

The Law Library of Congress 35
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Slovenia Use of leg-hold traps 

prohibited.

Zakon o Divjadi in Lovstvu (ZDLov-1) [Law on Wild Animals 

and Hunting] art. 43 (3), URADNI LIST [OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE 

REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA], Feb. 20, 2004, No. 16/2004, 

https://www.uradni-list.si/1/content?id=47257#!/Zakon-o-divjadiin-lovstvu-(ZDLov-1, archived at https://perma.cc/L6KN-EEPU 

(in Slovenian).

Spain Use of traps prohibited. CÓDIGO PENAL [CRIMINAL CODE], Ley Orgánica 10/1995, arts. 

334.1.c, 336, 337.1, & 337.2.a, BOLETIN OFICIAL DEL ESTADO

[BOE] (Nov. 24, 1995), http://www.boe.es/buscar/pdf/1995/BOEA-1995-25444-consolidado.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/DP4T-L3AP; Ley de Caza [Law on Hunting], 

Ley 1/1979, art. 43.k, BOE (Apr. 6, 1970), http://boe.es/buscar/ 

pdf/1970/BOE-A-1970-369-consolidado.pdf, archived at 

https://perma.cc/3RRB-NBB6. 

Somalia Use of gin-traps or snares 

for hunting prohibited, 

except with written 

permission. 

Law on Fauna (Hunting) Forest Conservation Law, No. 15 of 

1969 (Jan. 15, 1969), available at http://www.somalilandlaw.com/ 

Law_on_Fauna_Hunting_and_Forest_Conservation_1969.pdf, 

archived at https://perma.cc/H963-PVPG. 

At least as of 1969

South Africa Use of “any trap or other 

device” for capturing or 

destroying any wild or 

domestic animal or wild 

bird prohibited, unless 

necessary for protection 

of property or disease 

prevention. Use of traps 

Animal Protection Act, No. 71 of 1962, § 2, 3 BUTTERWORTHS 

STATUTES OF SOUTH AFRICA (rev. ed. 2015), version amended 

through 1972 available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/ 

nam126907.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/X3V5-RU8B; 

Threatened or Protected Species Regulations, 2007, §§ 14, 24 & 

26 (Feb. 23, 2007), version updated through 2016 available at 

http://www.lawsofsouthafrica.up.ac.za/index.php/browse/environ

ment-and-conservation/national-environmental-managementAt least as of 1962 

The Law Library of Congress 36
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

and snares for hunting 

listed threatened or 

protected species totally 

banned. Traps permitted 

for some threatened or 

protected species 

scientific or management 

purposes, including to 

hunt “damage causing 

animals.” Listed large 

predators (white 

rhinoceros or black 

rhinoceros) may not be 

hunted “by making a 

gin trap.”

biodiversity-act-10-of-2004/regulations-and-notices/10-of-2004-

national-environmental-management-biodiversity-act-regs-gnr152-29-apr-2014-to-date-pdf/download, archived at

https://perma.cc/26CQ-TBYL. 

South Sudan Use and possession of 

traps, snares, or gins 

without authorization for 

hunting or capturing 

animals, and conveyance 

of traps or snares into a 

national park, prohibited. 

Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act, 2003, available at 

http://www.gurtong.net/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=9EN5HHfOAF

w=&tabid=342, archived at https://perma.cc/XV7F-QV8B. 

At least as of 2003

Sudan All leg-hold traps 

prohibited in hunting 

wild animals.

Law of 1986, art. 23(g)(3), http://moj.gov.sd/content/lawsv4/ 

4/4.htm, archived at https://perma.cc/A3H7-2DW4 (in Arabic).

1986

The Law Library of Congress 37
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Swaziland Possession or use of gins, 

traps, and snares 

prohibited. 

Game Act of 1953, § 14 (Sept. 1, 1953), available at 

http://www.sntc.org.sz/legislation/gameact.asp, archived at

https://perma.cc/4GQE-B92L. 

At least as of 1953 

Sweden Leg-hold traps, and all 

traps not selective in 

nature, that cause 

suffering to the animal, 

or are a threat to humans, 

prohibited. Other traps

require prior approval.

EEC Council Regulation; 11 § Jaktförordning [Hunting 

Regulation] (Svensk författningssamling [SFS] 1987:905), as 

amended, Bilaga [Appendix] 5, http://www.riksdagen.se/sv/ 

dokument-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/ 

jaktforordning-1987905_sfs-1987-905, archived at

https://perma.cc/7XAD-794D; ch. 6 § 1 and ch. 8 §§ 1–2

Naturvårdsverkets föreskrifter om typgodkännande av 

fångstredskap [Swedish Environmental Protection Agency 

Regulation on Approval of Hunting Devices] (Naturvårdsverkets 

föreskrifter [NFS] 2013:13), http://www.naturvardsverket.se/ 

Documents/foreskrifter/nfs2013/nfs-2013-13.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/Z6V7-C822; 6 § Jaktstadga (SFS 1938:279) med 

beaktande av förordning (SFS 1981:678) om ändring i jaktstadgan 

[Hunting Charter (SFS 1938:279) as amended by Regulation 

Amending the Hunting Charter (SFS 1981:678)].

As of 1986, use of 

traps required 

permission

Switzerland Use of snares and all 

traps, with exception of 

live-catch box traps that 

are checked daily, 

prohibited.

Verordnung über die Jagd und den Schutz wildlebender Säugetiere 

und Vögel (Jagdverordnung, JSV) [Hunting Regulation], Feb. 29, 

1988, SYSTEMATISCHE RECHTSSAMMLUNG [SR] [SYSTEMATIC 

COLLECTION OF LAWS] 922.01, art. 2, ¶ 1, nos. a, b, 

https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/19880042/ 

201507150000/922.01.pdf, archived at http://perma.cc/7926-

XXX9. 

2012

The Law Library of Congress 38
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Taiwan Use of traps, snares, or 

other special hunting 

equipment to hunt 

wildlife prohibited. 

Capturing animals with 

animal traps (shou jia) 

without prior approval 

prohibited. 

Manufacturing, selling, 

displaying, importing, or 

exporting animal traps 

without prior approval 

prohibited.

野生動物保育法, 八十三年十月二十七日 [Wildlife 

Conservation Act, Oct. 27, 1994], http://lis.ly.gov.tw/lglawc/ 

lawsingle?0013465A12DF000000000000000003C000000008FFF

FFA00^031180831027^0000F001001, archived at 

https://perma.cc/A8W7-JKD5; Animal Protection Act [動物保護

法] (as last amended May 18, 2016) arts. 14-1 & 14-2, 

http://law.moj.gov.tw/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?PCode=M0060027, 

archived at https://perma.cc/4VSP-GDWJ, English translation 

available at http://law.moj.gov.tw/Eng/LawClass/LawAll.aspx? 

PCode=M0060027, archived at https://perma.cc/M97K-N5LZ; 動

物保護法, 九十六年十二月十四日 [Animal Protection Act, 

December 14, 2007 (effective 2008)], http://lis.ly.gov.tw/lglawc/ 

lawsingle?0^C4600C99CC1886C0600C81971926DC604D814C1

A07E0620C, archived at https://perma.cc/6XJX-W9LB; 動物保

護法, 一百年六月十三日 [Animal Protection Act, June 13, 

2011], http://lis.ly.gov.tw/lglawc/lawsingle?00223F8F 

5E0A0000000000000000014000000004FFFFFD^031341000613^

0000A001001, archived at https://perma.cc/6JDA-P9XZ.

1994 for wildlife 

protection 

provision; 2008 for 

animal capture 

approval 

requirements; 2011 

for ban on 

manufacturing, 

selling, etc. 

Tajikistan Use of traps that capture 

the leg or neck of animal 

prohibited for hunting 

bears, wolves, lynxes, 

badgers, and foxes.

Zakon ob Okhote i Okhothichem Khoziaistve [Law on Hunting 

and Game Management] No. 1118 of July 26, 2014, § 26(2), 

http://www.mmk.tj/ru/legislation/legislation-base/259/, archived 

at https://perma.cc/X6M3-6XNB.

Tanzania Mainland Tanzania: Use 

of traps, snares, or any

device capable of killing, 

Wildlife Conservation Act, No. 5 of 2009, §§ 20 & 65 (Mar. 12, 

2009), http://parliament.go.tz/polis/uploads/bills/acts/1452145936-

ActNo-5-2009.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/J5GN-5P2C; 

Mainland Tanzania: 

1959 

The Law Library of Congress 39
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

capturing or wounding 

any animal in any, 

national park, game 

reserve, wetlands 

reserve, or game 

controlled area

prohibited; written 

authorization required for 

other hunting use of gins, 

traps, or snares. 

Zanzibar: Use or 

possession of any trap or 

snare in a forest reserve 

requires permit. 

National Parks Act, No. 12 of 1959, §§ 17 & 24 (July 1, 1959), 

available at http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/tan155102.pdf, 

archived at https://perma.cc/674L-E4MV; Fauna Conservation 

Ordinance, §34, No. 17 of 1951, 32(33) SUPPLEMENT TO THE 

TANGANYIKA GAZETTE (July 6, 1951). 

Zanzibar Forest Resources Management and Conservation Act 

No. 10 of 1996 (Oct. 27, 1997), http://www.zanzibarassembly. 

go.tz/act_1996/act_10.pdf, archived at https://perma.cc/76CEPPKQ; Wild Animals Protection Decree, No. 7 of 1919, § 4, III 

LAWS OF THE ZANZIBAR PROTECTORATE (1935).

Zanzibar: 1935

Togo Use of traps prohibited. Arrêté n° 21/MAR du 13 juillet 1983 définissant les modalités de 

l’exercice de la chasse [Bylaw No. 21/MAR of 13 July 1983 

Defining the Methods of Hunting] art. 5, available at 

http://faolex.fao.org/docs/texts/tog18439.doc, archived at

https://perma.cc/PQ7V-YPFB. 

July 13, 1983

Turkey Use of leg-hold traps 

prohibited without 

exception.

Terrestrial Hunting Law [Kara Avciliği Kanunu], Law No. 4915 

(July 1, 2003, as last amended effective Mar. 1, 2014), art. 6, 

http://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/MevzuatMetin/1.5.4915.doc, archived 

at https://perma.cc/QU8H-SYAR.

The Law Library of Congress 40
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Uganda Possession, sale, or use 

of traps, snares, or 

“similar substance[s] or 

device[s] capable of 

killing, capturing or 

wounding any protected 

species” prohibited, with 

some exceptions.

Wildlife Act of 1996, § 49 (Aug. 1, 1996), http://www.ulii.org/ug/ 

legislation/consolidated-act/200, archived at

https://perma.cc/74ZV-LSV4. 

At least as of 1996

Ukraine Production, sale, import, 

use, and storage of traplike means of hunting 

prohibited. 

Zakon pro Tvarynnyi Svit [Law on Wildlife] No. 2894-III of Dec. 

13, 2001 (last amended Apr. 9, 2015) arts. 52-1 & 53, 

http://zakon5.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2894-14, archived at

https://perma.cc/6H95-Y7AL; Zakon pro Myslyvske 

Gospodarstvo ta Poliuvannia [Law on Hunting Economy and 

Shooting] No. 1478-III of Feb. 22, 2000, art. 20(4), 

http://zakon3.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1478-14/page, archived at 

https://perma.cc/E62M-TJMT. 

1993

Uruguay Use of traps prohibited. Decreto 164/996, Se Mantiene la Prohibición de la Caza, 

Tenencia, Transporte, Comercialización e Industrialización de 

Especies Zoológicas Silvestres y sus Productos [Decree 164/996, 

Banning Hunting, Possession, Transportation, Commercialization, 

and Industrialization of Wild Animal Species and Their Products] 

(May 2, 1996), art. 13, http://www.cebra.com.uy/renare/wpcontent/files_mf/1341601097Decreto164996CAZA.pdf, archived 

at https://perma.cc/D8ST-ET2P. 

The Law Library of Congress 41
Laws on Leg-Hold Animal Traps Around the World

Jurisdiction Provisions Citations Date Ban

Established

(if available)

Uzbekistan Use of traps prohibited 

for hooved animals. 

Pravila Okhoty i Rybolovstva na Territorii Respubliki Uzbekistan 

[Regulations of the State Committee for Nature Protection on 

Hunting and Fishing in the Republic of Uzbekistan] No. 27 of 

Mar. 22, 2006, § 13, http://www.lex.uz/pages/GetAct.aspx? 

lact_id=1004486, archived at https://perma.cc/PT2G-4YWC. 

Zambia Prior permit required for 

conveying net trap or 

snare into a national 

park, community 

partnership park, or bird 

or wildlife sanctuary, and 

for manufacture, 

possession, sale, or use 

of “any gin or similar 

trap or any mist net, 

snare or similar 

contrivance capable of 

killing or capturing

a game animal or 

protected animal”

(Wildlife Act § 70).

Wildlife Act, No. 14 of 2015, §§ 20 & 70 (Aug. 14 of 2015), 

http://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/T

heZambia Wildlife Act, 2015.pdf, archived at

https://perma.cc/GY2Z-4X7V; National Parks and Wildlife Act, 

No. 57 of 1968, § 84, REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA GOVERNMENT 

GAZETTE, ACTS (1969).

1968 

The Law Library of Congress 42