House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

Posted:	January 17, 2013 11:07 AM
From:	Representative Gary Haluska
To:	All House members
Subject:	Increase the penalty for the illegal setting of a body gripping traps (Former HB721)

I plan on re-introducing legislation that will amend Title 34 (Game) to increase the penalty for the illegal setting of body gripping traps. Presently all traps of this description must be set inside an established waterway, marsh, pond, dam. A violation of this section of Title 34 is a summary offense of the 5th Degree with a fine of $100 to $200. My Bill will raise that offense to a Summary of the First Degree with a fine structure of $1000 to $1500 and possible imprisonment of up to three months. Too often body gripping traps are placed outside waterways inadvertently luring dogs and causing a quick death or serious injury. I have met with the Game commission and the Pennsylvania Trappers Association on new regulations restricting the size of openings for these traps. Those regulations were recently passed by the Board of Commissioners. Both the Commission and the trappers support my measure to increase the penalty on illegal traps. With my bill and new Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations, the frequent occurrence of dogs being caught in body gripping traps will be greatly lessened. When used properly, these devices are an effective and legitimate means of trapping; when placed illegally, they can pose a serious danger. Please see attached legislation.
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Introduced as HB576