The results of this poll indicated that Ohio residents, including hunters, favor a ban on the use of leg hold traps, a bill which would “enact section 1533.25 of the Ohio revised code to prohibit persons in Ohio from using in any manner any leg hold trap in the trapping of any wild bird or wild quadruped and would prohibit persons from using any trapping device which will cause continued, prolonged suffering to a wild bird or wild quadruped” 74.9% were in favor the passage of the measure, 14.4% were opposed and 10.8% didn’t know or didn’t answer.    

The reasons given for favoring this measure include:

• Against cruelty to animals (68.3%)
• Lover of animals (10.3%)
• Conservationist (6.7%)
• Other ways to trap (2.5%)
• Good measure (1.1%)
• Miscellaneous (4.4%)

Those opposed to the measure cite:

• Nothing wrong with hunting and trapping (21.8%)
• Everyone has a right to do what they want (16.4%)
• Trapping is necessary to keep the balance of nature (10.9%)
• Friends trap, pests eat grain (7.3%)
• Law too strict (7.3%)

Should be reworded:

• Made more specific (7.3%)
• I make my living trapping (5.5%)
• Don’t like it (3.6%)
• Miscellaneous (14.5%)

Related to another bill possibly to be introduced in Columbus, “The bill would amend Section 1533.23 of the Ohio code to prohibit persons in Ohio from trafficking, dealing in, and buying green or dried furs or skins taken from fur bearing animals or wild quadrupeds of this State,” 49.7% are in favor, 28.5% are opposed and 21.8% don’t know or didn’t answer.

Those in favor cite:

• Animals should not be killed and skinned (26.8%)
• Conservation (18.8%)
• No need for this
• Fake furs (14.8%)
• Loves animals (11.6%)
• Against trapping anything (10.0%)
• Against cruelty to animals (10.0%)

Those opposed cite:

• Trapping is necessary and right (13.8%)
• It is my livelihood (12.1%)
• Hunting should be allowed (10.3%)
• I see nothing wrong with this (10.3%)
• Good business to trap (9.5%)
• Because we need fur coats (6.9%)

One other issue that might appear on the ballot, “Shall Article XII, Section 10, of the Ohio Constitution be amended to impose excise and franchise taxes upon the preparation, production and manufacture of fur taken from fur bearing animals, and upon the sale or purchase of wild animal skin or fur?” elicited 51.2% in favor, 26.2% against and 22.6% who didn’t know or didn’t answer.  

Those in favor cite:

• Might stop killing and trapping (25.7%), If you are in that business you should pay taxes (14.3%)
• Luxury items should always be taxed (12.5%)
• Wildlife should be protected (10.2%)
• Tax would control quality and limit numbers (9.4%)
• I’m just in favor (7.2%)
• Fake furs are available (5.7%)
• I’m an animal lover (5.3%)

Those against cite:

• I’m against any new taxes (51.7%)
• Don’t know why (10.3%)
• I am a trapper (8.6%)
• Would interfere with private enterprise (4.3%)
• No more laws (2.6%)
• Miscellaneous (22.5%)