Refuge From Cruel Trapping Act

Refuge From Cruel Trapping Act would prohibit the possession or use of body-gripping traps within the National Wildlife Refuge System. The ban includes traps that kill or physically restrain wildlife, with key exceptions for certain federal uses (such as invasive species control or protecting listed or sensitive species, under strict conditions and after nonlethal methods have been explored and documented), dismantling of traps, and specific exemptions for Alaska. Federally recognized Indian Tribe members would be allowed to possess or use traps for subsistence purposes. The bill imposes penalties, including civil fines, potential imprisonment, forfeiture of traps and wildlife captured, and court costs, with fines adjusted for inflation. Regulations to implement the changes would be due within 120 days of enactment, and the provisions would take effect 120 days after enactment.