Program Term Archive
Trapping and Penning
Companion Animals in Traps
Terrestrial WildlifeAWI opposes the use of steel-jaw traps for wildlife. The indiscriminate use of these traps poses grave danger to companion animals as well, when traps are hidden along wildlife trails...
Trapping and Penning
Terrestrial WildlifeTrapping and penning involve methods of capturing or confining wild animals—trapping uses devices like leghold, snare, or box traps to restrain animals, while penning confines them in enclosures where they...
Alternative Traps
Terrestrial WildlifeReview of alternatives to steel-jaw leghold traps and their animal welfare implications; by Tom Garrett.
Help Restrict Body-Gripping Traps on Wildlife Refuges
Terrestrial WildlifeNearly half of all National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) lands allow the use of steel-jaw leghold and other body-gripping traps, which aren’t selective about who they catch and inflict prolonged...
Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act
Terrestrial WildlifeThe Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act would amend the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to prohibit the possession or use of body-gripping traps within the National Wildlife...
Simple Snares Exert Stranglehold on Wild Animal Populations
Terrestrial WildlifeSnares are ubiquitous around the world and are emptying our forests, meadows, wetlands, savannas, jungles, grasslands, and other habitats of wildlife, with particularly devastating effects in Africa. They are inexpensive...
Protecting Wild Species from Cruel Capture and Killing Methods
Terrestrial WildlifeOn June 24, the Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act (HR 4108), was reintroduced by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). This bill would prohibit the possession or use of body-gripping devices, such...
Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act Reintroduced to Protect Wildlife and Pets on Public Lands
Press ReleaseJune 24, 2025Companion Animals, Terrestrial WildlifeThe Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) endorses the Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act, reintroduced today in the US House of Representatives by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). This bill would prohibit the...
Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act Reintroduced to Protect Wildlife and Pets from Barbaric Traps and Snares
Press ReleaseAugust 15, 2023Terrestrial WildlifeThe Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) endorses the Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act, reintroduced today in the US House of Representatives by Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Congressional...