HOUSE FILE 257

BY  SWAIM

A BILL FOR

An Act prohibiting certain trapping practices and providing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

   Section 1.  Section 481A.92, subsections 2 and 3, Code 2011, are amended to read as follows:
   2.
  a.  Except as otherwise provided, a person shall not use chemicals, explosives, smoking devices, mechanical ferrets, wire, tool, instrument, or water to remove fur-bearing animals from their dens.
   b.  Humane traps, conibear type traps, or traps designed to kill instantly, with a jaw spread, as originally manufactured, exceeding eight five inches are unlawful to use except when placed entirely under water.
   c.  It is unlawful to set a conibear type trap in a bucket or similar container with bait or lure.
   3.  Conibear type traps and snares shall not be set on the right-of-way of a public road within two hundred yards of the entry to a private drive serving a residence without the permission of the occupant or within five feet of any fence without the permission of the adjacent landowner or tenant.
EXPLANATION
   This bill prohibits certain trapping practices. The bill prohibits the use of humane traps, conibear type traps, or traps designed to kill instantly with a jaw spread exceeding five inches, unless such traps are placed entirely under water.
   The bill also prohibits setting a conibear type trap in a bucket or similar container with bait or lure, or setting a conibear type trap or snare within five feet of any fence without the permission of the adjacent landowner or tenant.
   A violation of the provisions of the bill is punishable with a scheduled fine of $25.