Environment

Glasgow magpie incident renews push to ban inhumane glue traps in Scotland

Wednesday, 14 May 2025 12:08AM UTC

A magpie found severely injured on a glue trap in Glasgow has reignited calls to outlaw these cruel devices, amid ongoing concerns about their indiscriminate harm to wildlife. Despite legislative efforts in Scotland, enforcement delays put vulnerable species at continued risk.

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This case has prompted renewed calls for a ban on glue traps, described by the Scottish SPCA as "outdated and inhumane."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

More on this

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/magpie-dies-after-being-caught-35216934 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.scottishspca.org/news/need-for-glue-trap-ban-reiterated-after-birds-caught-in-wishaw - The Scottish SPCA has renewed calls for a ban on glue traps after a magpie and sparrow were found stuck in one in Wishaw. The birds were alive but covered in glue, causing severe distress. Due to the injuries, both were humanely euthanised. The Scottish SPCA criticises glue traps as inhumane and supports an outright ban on their use. They urge the public to report any trapped animals or suspected illegal traps to their confidential helpline.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1d53vkxlrvo - Two robins were euthanised after becoming caught in a banned glue trap in Edinburgh's Grassmarket area. The birds suffered severe injuries when their bodies and legs became stuck in the adhesive-coated tray. The Scottish SPCA describes glue traps as inhumane and warns that animals can die from dehydration, hunger, or exposure if mistakenly caught. The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill, passed in March, bans the use of glue traps, though the law is yet to be enacted.
https://www.scottishspca.org/news/seagull-rescued-from-illegal-trap/ - A seagull was rescued from an illegal glue trap in Aberdeen. The bird had become trapped in a glue rat trap stuck under its wing. After several warm soapy washes, the trap was successfully removed. The Scottish SPCA continues to oppose the use of glue traps, describing them as inhumane and indiscriminate. They encourage the public to report any trapped animals or suspected illegal traps to their confidential helpline.
https://www.scottishspca.org/news/need-for-glue-trap-ban-reiterated-after-birds-caught-in-wishaw - The Scottish SPCA has renewed calls for a ban on glue traps after a magpie and sparrow were found stuck in one in Wishaw. The birds were alive but covered in glue, causing severe distress. Due to the injuries, both were humanely euthanised. The Scottish SPCA criticises glue traps as inhumane and supports an outright ban on their use. They urge the public to report any trapped animals or suspected illegal traps to their confidential helpline.
https://news.stv.tv/scotland/scottish-spca-issues-warning-after-spate-of-deadly-animal-glue-trap-incidents-across-scotland - The Scottish SPCA has issued a warning about the dangers of glue traps after a series of incidents across Scotland have killed and injured various wildlife. In August, two robins died after becoming stuck in a glue trap in Edinburgh's Grassmarket area. The charity describes glue traps as inhumane and supports an outright ban on their use. They encourage the public to report any trapped animals or suspected illegal traps to their confidential helpline.
https://www.gov.scot/news/action-to-improve-animal-welfare/ - The Scottish Government plans to outlaw glue traps to protect animal welfare. The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission reviewed the use of glue traps and 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 government intends to implement a full ban and will seek stakeholders’ views through a consultation before bringing forward legislation during this parliamentary term.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative is recent, discussing ongoing legislative efforts and a recent incident. However, the issue of glue traps and their impact on wildlife is not new.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative contains a quote from the Scottish SPCA, but I couldn't find the earliest known reference online. The quote aligns with their known stance against glue traps.

Source reliability

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative originates from a reputable publication, the Daily Record. It references official entities like the Scottish SPCA and the Scottish Government, enhancing credibility.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative is plausible, as it aligns with known issues and efforts regarding glue traps in Scotland. The description of the incident and the legislative actions underway are consistent with current events.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is recent, plausible, and sourced from credible entities. The issue of glue traps and their banning is a current concern in Scotland, making the story timely and accurate.

Scottish SPCA
Glue traps
Wildlife protection
Animal welfare
Scottish Parliament