Abstract

In this paper, we propose standards for killing trap systems based on Proulx et al.’s
(2022) prerequisites, which provide context and explanations for our approach. Our aim is to
identify assessment protocols that are based on the scientific method, and that include evaluation
parameters and threshold levels of acceptation, and laboratory and field procedures, to recognize
mammal trapping systems that are acceptable from an animal welfare, and capture efficiency and
selectivity, point of view. The testing of killing trap systems consists of 4 steps: 1) Mechanical
evaluation; 2) Approach tests in semi-natural environments; 3) Kill tests in semi-natural
environments; and 4) Kill tests on traplines. Based on the normal approximation to the binomial
distribution, acceptable killing trap systems are expected, at a 95% confidence level, to render
≥85% of the animals irreversibly unconscious in ≤ 90 sec for most mammal species, and ≤30 sec
for small mammals (mouse, vole, etc.). We recommend that standards be continuously updated
based on the development of new designs and technology.