The State Duma has finally agreed that Russia needs "humane traps."

This combination sounds oxymoronic but reflects progressive change. Old traps, which catch a fur animal by the feet, have been used for the last 60 years. They are truly barbaric - the animals die a long and agonizing death. What is offered instead? Also death, but it will be instant - a better choice for any living being in a fatal situation.

The Duma-approved bill on ratifying the agreement on international humane trapping standards affecting 19 species of wild animals must be approved by the Federation Council and the president. The European Union and Canada have been waiting for Russia's decision for a decade now. The three sides signed it in April 1998, but it cannot come into force until every side completes the required legal procedures.

The Duma rejected the agreement initially because it means a considerable increase in expenses for hunters. Later on, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Vladimir Izmailov demonstrated to the MPs a tiny "humane trap" (weighing 400 grams). He explained that hunters will not have to pay too much - factory price will be a mere 170 rubles (a little over $7). Moreover, the re-equipment process will take from four to eight years.