Animal trapping#Foothold traps

The leghold traps (also hold traps, leg irons or plate trap ) is made ​​of a steel trap for catching predators. The use of leghold traps for catching animals is banned in the EU since 1995.

Operation

The iron plate is clamped by means of a plate which is clamped between the divergent and downtrodden bracket. Surrounded is the plate of a 2 cm wide rim with a diameter of usually 20 cm. The two brackets are tensioned by a spring; these can be located inside the case or are on the outside. Usually a chain is attached with an anchor to prevent progression of the trailing plate iron either before or after snapping of the spring. The brackets can be round or square. If an animal on the plate, as strike the bracket together. In older models, the temples are usually toothed, and the plate is very large in relation to the case; Thus, it may happen that an animal in the triggering of the trap is only a part of the foot in the trap. Newer models, however, usually have a smooth strap and a rather small plate, thereby higher is the probability that the animal is caught clean. There are also cases in which the bracket does not close ( see first figure ); this avoids the breaking of the bones of these animals.

Legal for use

Since the probability is very great that the animal is not killed instantly and living associated with painful pinched limbs in the trap remains equal, as opposed to deduction iron like the gooseneck, where the tripping by train at the bait and not by stepping into the the event takes place, the use of plate iron not the Waidgerechtigkeit and is, whether prohibited for catching game or other animals, after the Hunting Act in Germany.

EU-wide, the use of leghold traps since January 1, 1995, through the so-called banned leghold traps Regulation (Regulation ( EEC) No 3254/91 leghold trap regulation). Also the import of pelts from countries where hunting is permitted with leghold traps is prohibited. The exception to this has an agreement with the United States ( 98/487/EC International agreement on humane trapping standards between the EC and the U.S.), which specifies that hides from the United States may be imported if the animals are caught with human leghold traps. As a humane leghold traps are those considered which possess rubberized strap. In Canada and Russia, which are the main producing countries of furs with the United States, continues to be chased with leghold traps. However, the EU is seeking with these countries follows a similar agreement as to the United States.

The leghold trap regulation prohibits only the use of leghold traps for catching animals, but not their possession and marketing. For the illegal persecution of animals, such as birds of prey, leghold traps are therefore still used frequently. Therefore, conservation organizations also call for a marketing and Inbesitznahmeverbot for leghold traps.

In Australia, depending on the state of leghold traps with rubber or allowed, not with steel braces. In Switzerland, the use of leghold traps is prohibited. In Austria could be applied for until recently special permits. These were valid from October to April. After several accidents in the spring of 2009, the leghold trap has now been permanently banned. In danger of disease, the use is, however, still be allowed.