Please note there might be some images below that will be distressing to some audiences, so viewer discretion is advised.
Animal welfare advocates have been campaigning for a glue trap ban for a while, and now, it has finally become a reality in Scotland. The glue traps are usually trays that are covered in a sticky substance that traps an animal without killing it, resulting in a slow and painful death.
While usually intended for home pests like rats or mice, other animals also get trapped in them, including birds and even pets. As little ones struggle to free themselves from the trap, they rip their fur or feathers, and even break bones. Eventually, they die of dehydration and starvation or from their painful injuries.
Glue trap ban in Scotland
The new legislation came into place on July 1, banning glue traps in Scotland, and it is now a criminal offence to own or use them. This means offenders can now receive a fine of up to £40,000 or up to 12 months in prison, as the traps are a form of animal cruelty.
In the period of three years between 2023 and 2026, 48 reports have been made to the SPCA of animals trapped in a glue trap, including bats, baby mice and birds, with some of them having to be euthanised due to their severe injuries.
A Scottish SPCA special investigations inspector said: “Glue traps are inhumane devices that inflict prolonged suffering on any animal unfortunate enough to become caught in one.
“We’ve seen first-hand the catastrophic injuries they cause, so today’s ban coming into force is a hugely important step forward for animal welfare in Scotland. No animal should have to endure this kind of suffering.“
Kirsty Jenkins, director of policy, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome the ban on glue traps coming into force in Scotland as a milestone moment that will spare countless animals from suffering.”
“However, passing legislation is only meaningful if it is accompanied by strong enforcement to ensure the ban is being upheld in practice. We have already seen examples of glue traps continuing to be sold to members of the public in England, despite it being an offence for those people to use them.
“The Scottish Government and local authorities must ensure that this landmark change delivers the protection for animals it promises.”
Jim Fairlie, minister for agriculture and connectivity, said: “Glue traps are indiscriminate and cruel. They have no place in a Scotland that takes its responsibilities to wildlife and animal welfare seriously.”
