Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), co-Chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, reintroduced the Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act. This legislation will help restore the original purpose of the National Wildlife Refuge System as a sanctuary for wildlife by prohibiting the use of cruel body-gripping traps on these public, protected lands.

“When Americans visit their local National Wildlife Refuges, most expect to view wildlife without the fear that they or their pets will fall victim to a dangerous trap,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler. “However, over half of our nation’s 568 refuges still permit trapping—putting humans, companion animals, and endangered species at risk of severe injury. It’s clear that these traps have no place on protected lands and my legislation with Rep. Blumenauer will ensure all of our refuges are free from this inhumane practice.”

“America’s National Wildlife Refuge System should be a sanctuary for people and animals alike," said Rep. Earl Blumenauer. "There are too many concerning examples of wild animals and pets falling victim to body-gripping traps. This legislation will create a true refuge for wildlife by prohibiting these cruel traps on public lands.”

“It is appalling that animal trapping is still permitted in the United States despite overwhelming and undeniable evidence that animals suffer terribly when captured by traps," said Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA. "It is inexcusable that this outdated and cruel practice is permitted – indeed, has risen by 20% in the lower 48 states – on our national wildlife refuges which should, by rights, be a place where wild animals are safe from harm.”

“Body-gripping traps are antiquated devices that capture animals by snapping their body parts with bone-crushing force or slowly and agonizingly strangling their airways,” said Susan Millward, Executive director and CEO of the Animal Welfare Institute. “Public lands belong to all of us — not just the select few who wish to trap — and Americans should be able to enjoy our outdoor spaces without fear that they or their pets will step into a torture device. Thank you to Representatives Nadler and Blumenauer for your commitment to ending the use of cruel traps in our country’s refuges.”

Original cosponsors of the bill include Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA), Sean Casten (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Betty McCollum (D-IL), Grace Meng (D-NY), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI).