Glue trap ban enforcement will ‘spare animals from suffering’ says charity

Scotland’s glue trap ban will “spare countless animals from suffering”, an animal charity has said, as the ban comes into force across the country.

From Wednesday, it will be a criminal offence to use, supply, or possess a glue trap. Offenders face a fine of up to £40,000 or up to 12 months in prison.

It comes after the passing of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.

Animal protection charity OneKind has welcomed the ban and said they are “delighted” to see it finally in force.

Between 2023 and 2026, the Scottish SPCA received 48 reports relating to animals caught in glue traps. In 2025 alone, its Special Investigations Unit – which deals with serious animal welfare crimes – has handled six intelligence reports involving these traps.

Victims have included bats, baby mice, seagulls and magpies.

In one serious incident in 2024, two robins died after becoming stuck in a glue trap left in the Grassmarket area.

They sustained such severe injuries while desperately trying to escape that they had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.

A 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.”

They continued: “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.”

Glue traps do not immediately kill an animal, but stop them from moving, leaving animals struggling to escape.

The ban applies to vertebrate animals, with invertebrates not being covered by the legislation.

The offences will also apply to anyone who knowingly causes or permits another person to use or supply a glue trap.

Kirsty Jenkins, director of policy at OneKind, said: “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.

“OneKind has long campaigned to see these cruel devices consigned to the history books, and we are delighted that this day has finally arrived.

“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 that this landmark change delivers the protection for animals it promises.”

Speaking previously on the ban 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.”