The use of glue traps to catch rodents could be banned under a new law backed by the Government.
The sticky traps are a widely available and cheap method of pest control. However the animals can remain alive for at least 24 hours after capture and it can take even longer for them to die and pets and wildlife can also get caught.
Over the last five years alone, the RSPCA has also received more than 200 reports of animals not considered to be pests including wild birds, hedgehogs and pet cats being found stuck in them.
The Glue Traps (Offences) Bill was introduced in Parliament by Jane Stevenson MP on Thursday (June 16) and will enable a full ban on the use of glue traps to catch rodents.
HUMANE
Introducing the Bill, Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East, said:
“When pest control is needed we have a responsibility to use the most humane methods in order to prevent unnecessary suffering. A rodent stuck in a glue trap will suffer a slow and painful death, which isn’t acceptable when other pest control methods are available.
“Glue traps don’t just capture rodents. Other animals injured or killed by these traps include pet cats, birds, owls, bats, fox cubs and hedgehogs. It is surely time to end the use of these inhumane and indiscriminate traps.
“I thank Minister Goldsmith for backing this important piece of legislation, which is part of the Government’s commitment to improve UK animal welfare standards after Brexit. I look forward to working with colleagues to get this ban on the statute books.”
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Goldsmith described glue traps as ‘appallingly cruel devices’ and said: “Glue traps cause slow and unimaginably painful deaths and there is no way of preventing other types of animals being caught by them, so I am delighted we are able to back Jane Stevenson MP’s important Private Member’s Bill today. We will do all we can to help her get this new law onto the statute books.”
A recent policy statement by the British Veterinary Association highlighted that rodents stuck in glue can suffer multiple injuries including torn skin and broken limbs.
