Press Releases
Nadler Introduces Legislation to Protect the Public from Body-Gripping Traps in the National Wildlife Refuge System
Washington,
June 24, 2025
Today, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) reintroduced the Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act. This legislation will help restore the original purpose of the National Wildlife Refuge System as a haven 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 enjoy nature without worrying that they—or their pets—will fall victim to a dangerous trap,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler. “However, trapping is still allowed in many of the more than 570 refuges across the country, putting people, pets, and endangered species in danger of serious injury. These cruel devices have no place on protected public lands, and my bill will make sure our refuges are safe from this inhumane practice." “Why should anyone – people, companion animals, or wildlife – have to fear stepping into a bone-crushing trap while enjoying our nation’s beautiful wildlife refuge system?” said Susan Millward, AWI’s executive director and CEO. “Public lands belong to all of us — not just the select few who wish to set traps that smash limbs or agonizingly strangle airways. Thank you to Representative Nadler for your commitment to ending the use of cruel traps in our country’s refuges.” “Traps cause painful and frightening deaths to animals who should be protected in our National Wildlife Refuge System. Some animals might be killed quickly, but many suffer for hours and even days. Animals who die by the trappers’ hands might be shot or bludgeoned to death. Those who escape – sometimes by gnawing off their own paws – might later succumb to injury from infection. Every element of trapping is cruel. It is time that we brought an end to this archaic practice once and for all.” said Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA. "
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