A bill to end the use of steel jaw leghold traps on animals in the United States.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (13 Nov 1997): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
What this bill does
This bill, S. 1557, aims to ban the use of steel jaw leghold traps in the United States by prohibiting the import, export, or shipment of these traps and of fur products derived from animals caught in them. It defines a steel jaw leghold trap as a spring-powered device with two opposing steel jaws designed to catch an animal by its limb.
The legislation would affect individuals and businesses involved in the fur trade and the manufacturing or sale of these traps. Violators could face criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment for subsequent offenses. The bill also establishes a reward system for informers whose information leads to a conviction, offering them half of the fine paid.
S. 1557 was introduced in the Senate in November 1997 by Senator Robert Torricelli and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. As of its introduction, its current status is simply "Introduced," indicating it has not progressed further in the legislative process.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Prohibits the import, export, or shipment in interstate commerce of steel jaw leghold traps and of articles of fur derived from animals trapped in such traps. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reward nongovernment informers for information leading to a conviction under this Act. Empowers enforcement officials to detain, search, and seize suspected merchandise or documents and to make arrests with and without warrants. Subjects seized merchandise to forfeiture. Applies the Export Administration Act of 1979 or the customs laws, respectively, to the seizure and forfeiture of articles or traps exported or imported in violation of this Act.
Timeline
13 Nov 1997
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Common questions
- What does S. 1557 do?
- This bill, S. 1557, aims to ban the use of steel jaw leghold traps in the United States by prohibiting the import, export, or shipment of these traps and of fur products derived from animals caught in them. It defines a steel jaw leghold trap as a spring-powered device with two opposing steel jaws designed to catch an animal by its limb. The legislation would affect individuals and businesses involved in the fur trade and the manufacturing or sale of these traps. Violators could face criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment for subsequent offenses. The bill also establishes a reward system for informers whose information leads to a conviction, offering them half of the fine paid. S. 1557 was introduced in the Senate in November 1997 by Senator Robert Torricelli and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. As of its introduction, its current status is simply "Introduced," indicating it has not progressed further in the legislative process.
- Has S. 1557 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1557. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1557?
- S. 1557 was sponsored by Sen. Torricelli, Robert G. [D-NJ] (D-NJ), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1557?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (13 Nov 1997).
Related bills in Animals
To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to change certain requirements regarding certain allowed take of marine mammals, and for other purposes.
SWIMS Act of 2026
Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act
Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026
More bills from Sen. Torricelli, Robert G. [D-NJ]
Federal Privacy and Data Protection Policy Act of 2002
Abel and Mary Nicholson House National Historic Site Study Act of 2001
A bill to end the use of conventional steel-jawed leghold traps on animals in the United States.
Protecting American Small Business Trade Act of 1998
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.