Under what circumstance are steel-jawed leg-hold traps allowed?

Steel-jawed leg-hold traps are permitted only under extraordinary circumstances, primarily to protect health and safety. This provision is in place because these types of traps can cause significant injury and suffering to non-target species and have raised ethical concerns about animal welfare. In situations where these traps are deemed essential for protecting human health and safety, such as managing dangerous wildlife that poses a direct risk to people or livestock, their use may be justified.

In contrast, recreational use does not align with regulations concerning the welfare of animals and the necessity of using such potentially harmful traps. The idea of using them whenever necessary for trapping lacks the specificity required by the regulations, which typically aim to minimize suffering and prioritize humane practices. Lastly, stating that these traps are illegal in all circumstances does not take into consideration the particular situations in which they may be legally justified for health and safety reasons. Thus, the answer recognizes the careful balance needed between wildlife management and ethical considerations.