Are steel-jawed leg-hold traps prohibited under California law?

Steel-jawed leg-hold traps are indeed prohibited under California law, with exceptions made for extraordinary cases. This means that while the general use of these traps is banned due to concerns over animal welfare and inhumane trapping practices, there may be specific situations or circumstances, such as wildlife management or research activities, where their use is permitted under stringent regulations.

This regulatory framework is in place to ensure that while trapping can be an essential tool in wildlife management, it is conducted in a manner that prioritizes humane treatment of animals. Other options do not correctly reflect the law; for instance, stating that these traps are always allowed oversimplifies the regulations and ignores the state's commitment to animal welfare. Similarly, restricting their use only for small mammals or in contests does not accurately represent the broader legal prohibitions that exist against these traps in California.