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Motion · S5M-21244 · 12 Mar 2020

Glue Traps

Lodged by Christine Grahame Members' Business Motion 29 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes the use of glue traps by members of the public and pest control practitioners to kill rodents; understands that these operate by trapping rats and mice with strong adhesive; notes that non-target animals, such as birds and bats, can also be caught in the traps and experience severe injuries as a result; believes that incidents have been documented of trapped animals breaking and dislocating bones, tearing skin and fur and even gnawing through their own limbs or ripping their feet off in their efforts to escape; considers there are more humane methods of addressing problems with rodents in domestic or commercial premises; is aware that the sale and use of these traps has been banned outright in Ireland since 2003 and in Victoria, Australia, since 2019, due to concerns over unacceptable pain caused to animals, and that they have been prohibited in New Zealand, except under specific ministerial approval; notes that over 200 UK retailers and wholesalers have voluntarily withdrawn glue traps from sale while other suppliers describe them as "unpleasant" and recommend that they should only be used as a last resort; acknowledges that a YouGov poll carried in June 2015 out on behalf of HSI UK recorded that 68% agreed they should be banned in the UK; understands however that the traps are still widely available in other outlets, including online sales; considers that voluntary trade association codes of practice, while welcome, do not address all the welfare concerns and do not cover all pest control practitioners, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government to consider the merits of banning the use of glue traps altogether, on ethical grounds in the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency and across the country.

Supporters (29)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.