BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 789 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 17, 2013 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair AB 789 (Williams) - As Amended: March 21, 2013 Policy Committee: Water, Parks and Wildlife Vote: 15-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill limits the size of conibear traps in order to prevent the killing of dogs and other non-target wildlife. Specifically, this bill: 1) Reduces the maximum size of conibear traps (spring-loaded body-crushing traps without teeth) used to kill mammals, except where they are submerged, partially submerged, or set in a managed wetland, from 10 inches by 10 inches to 6 inches by 6 inches; 2) Requires a sign warning that dogs should be kept away from areas where conibear traps are set on publicly owned land or land that is open to the public; 3) Prohibits killing any trapped mammal by intentional drowning, injection with any chemical not sold for the purpose of euthanizing animals, or thoracic compression. FISCAL EFFECT One-time minor, absorbable cost to the Department of Fish and Wildlife to update trap testing materials and trapping licenses. COMMENTS 1)Rationale. The author states that, like other traps, conibear traps are non-selective in capturing and often kill any animal that comes in contact. The author cites a 1987 by the Ontario Trappers Association study entitled Traps and Trap AB 789 Page 2 Research where tests results showed conibear traps capturing up to two non-target animals per target animal, and other research indicating the most common non-target victims were domestic dogs and cats. This bill will help prevent the unintended killing of domestic and non-target animals by restricting the size and use of conibear traps. This bill also prohibits inhumane methods of killing the animals once they are trapped. 2)Background. Conibear traps are used to catch beaver and other nuisance wildlife animals. Many states have limited the size of conibear-type traps in order to prevent the killing of non-target species, including domestic pets. California, Texas and Tennessee are the only states to allow conibear traps that are 10 by 10 inches. Six states have restricted conibear traps to 6 by 6 inches and ten have completely prohibited them on land. This bill is consistent with the 2013 American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. The Guidelines indicates when euthanizing animals, humane techniques to induce the most rapid, painless and distress-free death should be used. Analysis Prepared by : Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916) 319-2081