Scottish Government seeks to ban sale and use of 'glue traps'

Legislation is to be brought forward to ban the sale and use of glue traps in Scotland.

It comes after a review raised significant animal welfare concerns over the use of the “cruel” practice.

Also known as ‘glue boards’ or ‘sticky boards’, the traps consist of either a sheet of cardboard, plastic or wood.

Coated with non-drying adhesive, or a shallow tray of adhesive, they then trap animals when they cross the board, becoming stuck by their feet.

Concerns have been raised over the use of the traps and the pain and distress caused to animals.

A review of the used of glue traps was conducted by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC)

It concluded that there are significant animal welfare issues related to their use, not only for rodents, but also for non-target species such as wild birds.

The Scottish Government has said it intends to implement a full ban and will seek stakeholders’ views through a consultation, before forward bringing legislation during this parliamentary term.

Environment minister Mairi McAllan set out the Government’s intentions.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest welfare standards in Scotland for animals, including wildlife,” she said.

“We have carefully considered the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission’s findings, alongside all other relevant evidence, I am pleased to announce in Parliament today that we intend to end the cruel practice of setting glue traps.

“The Commission’s report is clear that there are significant animal welfare issues related to the use of glue traps, not only for rodents but also for other animals such as wild birds.

“Therefore, we will bring forward legislation to ban glue traps in this parliamentary term.

“Our intention is to ban the sale as well as the use of glue traps.

“However, there are implications arising from the Internal Market Act which can undermine decisions made by this Parliament, including in devolved climate and environmental policy. We intend to work through these issues.”