Scottish SPCA issues warning after spate of deadly animal glue trap incidents across Scotland

An animal charity has issued a warning about the dangers of deadly glue traps after a series of incidents across Scotland have killed and injured various wildlife.

Glue traps are trays coated with a sticky adhesive typically used to trap rodents and animals classed as vermin.

On August 22, in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh, two robins died after becoming stuck in a glue trap.

A Scottish SPCA special investigations inspector said: “The poor things were stuck by their front and legs. It meant that every time they tried to free themselves, the glue would have been ripping their feathers out with every movement.

“Sadly, as the injuries were so severe and removing the glue would have caused the robins even more pain and suffering, the difficult decision was made to put them both to sleep.”

Four baby mice found in a trap in Glasgow were euthanised, and a long-eared bat was also put to sleep at the weekend after the underside of its wings and an ear were stuck to a glue trap in Aberdeenshire.

And last month, a warning was issued after a seagull had become trapped in a glue trap in Aberdeen.

The inspector continued: “The Scottish SPCA does not support their use as these traps are indiscriminate and will cause unnecessary suffering to any bird or animal caught in them.

“Those setting the traps are obliged to stop unnecessary suffering by checking them regularly but there is no way of monitoring or enforcing this.

“Many of these traps are set in the wrong place which means birds and other animals can be trapped.

“It’s an inhumane method of pest control that has no place in modern society.”

In March this year, the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill was passed in the Scottish Parliament after years of campaigning by the charity.

The Bill includes a range of measures that will give greater protection to wildlife, including a ban on the use of all forms of snares and ban on use of glue traps.

If anyone finds a trapped animal in distress or spots a trap or snare they suspect is illegal, please do not hesitate to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.