Trapping uses inhumane devices to inflict pain and suffering on animals. The steel-jaw leghold trap is a cruel, antiquated device designed to capture and hold an animal by a limb so as not to damage the pelt. Also called a foothold or restraining trap by its proponents, this trap is used to capture foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and other fur-bearing animals. The steel-jaw leghold trap can tear the flesh, cut tendons and ligaments, and break bones. When the animals struggle to free themselves, they aggravate their injuries.
Some traps have teeth on the jaws, which add to the physical trauma.
Trapped animals may struggle in pain for days. Dehydration, blood loss, hypothermia, and predation by other animals may claim their lives before the trapper returns. Standard methods of killing trapped animals include clubbing with a shovel or metal pipe and standing on the chest to cause suffocation. A number of state-issued trapping manuals aimed at young and novice trappers recommend these techniques. Leghold traps are also set underwater or set so that the animal is pulled underwater.