What device is required to minimize injury in leg-hold traps?

A shock absorbing device is designed to minimize injury in leg-hold traps by cushioning the force exerted on the animal when the trap is triggered. This type of device helps to reduce the stress and impact that the animal experiences, effectively preventing severe injuries that can occur from the trap's sudden closure. By absorbing some of the energy, it allows for a more humane capture, supporting the welfare of trapped animals and aligning with ethical trapping practices.

Other devices mentioned, such as a weight distributing harness, typically serve different purposes, such as improving the comfort of the animal while held in the trap but are not specifically aimed at minimizing injury during the triggering process. A trigger adjustment tool alters how sensitive the trap is to the animal's movements, and while it can influence the effectiveness of trapping, it does not directly address injury prevention. A release mechanism can be important for safely letting an animal go once it is caught, but it does not contribute to minimizing injury at the moment of capture.