Trapping of wild mammals for pest control, research, and fur causes significant welfare harm. Trap design and regulations significantly affect welfare outcomes.
Wildlife trapping welfare depends critically on trap design, condition, and inspection frequency. Poorly maintained traps, infrequent checking, and inappropriate species selection cause prolonged suffering. Minimum performance standards for traps and mandatory checking intervals represent the most welfare-positive regulatory approaches to an activity that causes unavoidable welfare harm even when well-managed.