Massachusetts S492 regulates the use of trapping devices to manage beaver and muskrat populations.

Massachusetts S492 amends Chapter 131 of the General Laws to regulate the use of trapping devices for beaver and muskrat. It prohibits the use of certain traps, such as steel jaw leghold traps and lethal snares, except for specific purposes like protecting endangered species or managing furbearers. The bill allows for emergency permits to be issued by municipal boards of health or the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to address immediate threats to human health and safety, such as flooding or compromised structural stability.

Massachusetts S492 regulates the use of trapping devices to manage beaver and muskrat populations.

Massachusetts S492 amends Chapter 131 of the General Laws to regulate the use of trapping devices for beaver and muskrat. It prohibits the use of certain traps, such as steel jaw leghold traps and lethal snares, except for specific purposes like protecting endangered species or managing furbearers. The bill allows for emergency permits to be issued by municipal boards of health or the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to address immediate threats to human health and safety, such as flooding or compromised structural stability.