TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A state appellate court has ruled that a relatively new type of animal trap is not cruel and inhumane and can continue to be used in New Jersey.
The three-judge panel found the enclosed foothold traps are an acceptable way to trap opossums and raccoons and don’t violate a state law outlawing other forms of traps.
The judges rejected arguments by animal rights and environmental groups who claimed the state’s Fish and Game Council overstepped its authority when it allowed the use of enclosed foothold traps last year.
Similar in concept to a mousetrap, enclosed foothold traps have a round bar that, when triggered, exerts pressure against the animal’s foot.
New Jersey Sierra Club director Jeff Tittel said he plans to ask the state Supreme Court to hear the case.
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