Scotland’s largest animal welfare charity has warned against the illegal use of glue traps for pest control, after a series of incidents that have caused the deaths of birds and other wildlife.
The Scottish SPCA criticised the use of the “indiscriminate and inhumane” traps after the latest incident in which a magpie was discovered stuck to a glue trap that was intended for rodent control near homes in Glasgow.
Another “distressing” case involved a pair of robins, which suffered an “horrific death” after being caught in a trap in Edinburgh.
Elsewhere, four baby mice were “found screaming” in a trap in Glasgow; and a long-eared bat had to be euthanised after its wings and an ear were stuck to a trap in Aberdeenshire.
In March last year, the Scottish Parliament passed the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill following years of campaigning by the Scottish SPCA.
The legislation placed a ban on all forms of snares and glue traps in almost all circumstances, offering some protection for wildlife.
It is now an offence for an unauthorised person to use a glue trap to kill or take any animal other than an invertebrate, or use a glue trap in a manner likely to cause injury to any animal other than an invertebrate that comes into contact with it. Punishments can include a fine of up to £40,000 or time in prison.
The Scottish SPCA said that incidents were still continuing, however, with sticky adhesive pest traps being left exposed and posing significant risk to wildlife.
A Scottish SPCA special investigations inspector said: “The Scottish SPCA does not support the use of glue traps. These devices are indiscriminate and cause unnecessary suffering to any bird or animal caught in them.
“People setting these traps are obliged to check them regularly to prevent suffering, but there is no practical way of enforcing this. Too often, they are placed incorrectly, putting non-target species such as birds at risk.
“It’s an outdated and inhumane method of pest control that has no place in a compassionate, modern society.”
Anyone who discovers a trapped animal in distress or a trap or snare they suspect is illegal, should contact the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
