A recent incident in Glasgow has sparked significant concern regarding the use of glue traps, particularly after a magpie was found severely injured and subsequently euthanised following its agonising ordeal. The bird, discovered by a resident on Ashgill Road in the Milton area, had become ensnared in a glue trap designed for rodents, resulting in adhesive covering its belly, wing, and unfortunately, its face. Despite efforts from animal welfare officers who used vegetable oil to extricate it from the trap, the injuries were too grave for the bird to survive.

This case has prompted renewed calls for a ban on glue traps, described by the Scottish SPCA as "outdated and inhumane." According to a spokesperson from the Scottish SPCA, these traps are not only indiscriminate; their use inflicts unnecessary suffering on many non-target species, particularly birds like magpies and sparrows, which have also been reported as victims in similar incidents across Scotland.

The Scottish SPCA’s advocacy against glue traps is underscored by a worrying trend: numerous wildlife, including robins and seagulls, have fallen prey to these traps, often resulting in severe distress or death. Just last year, two robins were euthanised after becoming trapped in a glue device in Edinburgh, illustrating the harsh realities of such pest control methods. These cases have underscored the charity’s long-standing assertion that glue traps pose a significant risk to wildlife and have no place in modern pest control strategies.

Legislative action is underway in Scotland aimed at addressing this urgent issue. The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill, passed by the Scottish Parliament in March, includes provisions that ban the use of glue traps. However, implementation of this ban is still forthcoming, as the law has yet to be enacted. The delay poses ongoing risks to wildlife, particularly given the lack of enforcement measures for those already using these traps irresponsibly.

Furthermore, the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission has reviewed the implications of glue traps extensively, ultimately concluding that they are detrimental not only to rodents but also to non-target species. The Scottish Government intends to outlaw these traps entirely, ensuring robust protection for wildlife and promoting more humane pest control alternatives.

As discussions around wildlife protection and animal welfare persist, the Scottish SPCA remains steadfast in its position, urging the public to report any instances of trapped animals or suspected illegal traps to their confidential helpline. Such proactive measures are critical as society moves towards more compassionate practices in pest control, reflecting a growing awareness of animal welfare standards necessary for a humane society.

The tragic fate of this magpie serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for change and heightened awareness regarding the implications of glue traps on wildlife in Scotland.


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Source: Noah Wire Services