A gin trap (or leg-hold trap) is defined in  subsection (3A) of the The Pests Act as "a device designed to restrain or capture an animal by means of jaws which close tightly upon one or more of the animal’s limbs, thereby preventing withdrawal of the limb or limbs from the trap". Gin traps were not designed to kill quickly, and the jaws were often serrated or 'toothed' causing immense pain to the trapped animal. it is illegal to use all forms of Leg Hold Trap, (such as the Gin Trap) in the UK, but not unlawful to possess or sell one. Leg-hold traps are prohibited within the European Union by Council Regulation (EEC) 3254/91.