CT HB05566

Requires trappers to report incidents of nontarget animals (unintended species) to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection within 24 hours of capture.

Prohibits placement of leghold traps within 100 feet of schools, licensed child day care centers, state parks, municipal parks, playgrounds, public boat launches, rest areas, picnic areas, campgrounds, and blazed or state hiking trails, with exception for authorized department personnel controlling nuisance wildlife.

Defines "leghold trap" as a device designed to close on an animal's foot or leg with sufficient force to hold it, including both padded and unpadded steel jawed styles.

Maintains existing trappers' requirements including obtaining written permission before setting traps on another's land, marking traps with owner's name, and visiting traps within 24 hours.

Effective October 1, 2013; violators face fines up to $200 or imprisonment up to 60 days, with illegal traps subject to forfeiture and sale proceeds credited to the General Fund.