Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act
Latest action (15 Oct 2021): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 5578, the "Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act," would prohibit the import, export, or interstate shipment of steel-jaw leghold traps and Conibear traps, as well as the sale or purchase of such traps that were moved in violation of the ban. Violations would carry civil fines ($500 for a first offense, $1,000 for subsequent offenses per trap) and, for repeat violations, possible imprisonment of up to two years. The bill also allows forfeiture of illegally transported traps, authorizes rewards for informants whose tips lead to convictions, and directs the Secretary of the Interior, with cooperation from other federal agencies, to enforce the law and issue implementing rules. It would take effect one year after enactment.
The bill would primarily affect trappers, trap manufacturers and sellers, and anyone involved in shipping these devices across state lines or international borders. It is framed as a measure to protect public safety and reduce injury to companion animals and wildlife caused by these trap types, though it does not ban possession or use of such traps within a single state.
The bill was introduced on October 15, 2021, by Rep. Alma Adams and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Foreign Affairs. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 117th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act
This bill bans steel-jaw leghold traps and Conibear traps and establishes penalties for violating this ban.
Steel-jaw leghold traps are certain spring-powered devices with steel jaws that are designed to snap closed on animals. Conibear traps consist of metal frames hinged at the center point and powered by two torsion springs that create a scissor-like action designed to kill an animal by snapping its spine. Cage traps, box traps, suitcase-type live beaver traps, and mouse or rat snap traps are not included in the ban.
The Department of the Interior must pay a reward for information that leads to a conviction of a violation of this bill, unless the information was provided by on duty officers or employees of federal, state, or local governments. The reward must be 50% of the penalty paid.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5578 do?
- H.R. 5578, the "Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act," would prohibit the import, export, or interstate shipment of steel-jaw leghold traps and Conibear traps, as well as the sale or purchase of such traps that were moved in violation of the ban. Violations would carry civil fines ($500 for a first offense, $1,000 for subsequent offenses per trap) and, for repeat violations, possible imprisonment of up to two years. The bill also allows forfeiture of illegally transported traps, authorizes rewards for informants whose tips lead to convictions, and directs the Secretary of the Interior, with cooperation from other federal agencies, to enforce the law and issue implementing rules. It would take effect one year after enactment. The bill would primarily affect trappers, trap manufacturers and sellers, and anyone involved in shipping these devices across state lines or international borders. It is framed as a measure to protect public safety and reduce injury to companion animals and wildlife caused by these trap types, though it does not ban possession or use of such traps within a single state. The bill was introduced on October 15, 2021, by Rep. Alma Adams and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Foreign Affairs. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 117th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 5578 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 Oct 2021, H.R. 5578 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 5578?
- H.R. 5578 was sponsored by Rep. Alma Adams [D-NC12] (Democrat-NC), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5578?
- Introduced (15 Oct 2021).
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