A new Bill banning the use of rodent glue traps by the public is set to become law.
The Bill has passed its Third Reading in Parliament yesterday (April 26) and will now go for Royal Assent. However, the legislation only curbs the use of the devices by the general public, and permits their continued operation by pest controllers.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and a number of other animal protection organisations have been campaigning for a ban on these traps, which can cause prolonged suffering for any animal which becomes caught in them.
BVA President Justine Shotton said: “We welcome the news that this bill has passed its third reading and will mean that these cruel glue traps can no longer be used by the general public.
“Along with other animal protection and research organisations, we campaigned for a ban on the widespread use of these traps, which do not kill a trapped animal immediately and can lead to hours of agony and suffering, so are pleased this will be put into motion.
“However, we are disappointed that this new Bill falls short of an outright ban and only puts restrictions on the general public, still allowing ‘pest controllers’ to apply for licences to use the traps. We are keen to see the greater detail of the licensing scheme as we are concerned that, as the pest control industry is shockingly still unregulated, anyone calling themselves a ‘pest controller’ will be able to gain a licence and continue to use these traps in an irresponsible way.”
