The Scottish SPCA has expressed concern after a magpie was discovered stuck to a glue trap intended for rodent control in Glasgow.
The distressing incident has prompted renewed warnings about the indiscriminate and inhumane nature of sticky adhesive pest traps, which are often left exposed and pose significant risk wildlife.
The magpie was found by a local resident in the Ashgill Road area of Glasgow within a communal bin store. The bird’s belly and right wing were adhered to the glue trap. Glue was also present on the bird’s face and around the eye.
An Animal Rescue Officer who attended the scene was able to free the magpie from the glue trap using vegetable oil. Sadly, the magpie had sustained severe injuries and had to be humanely euthanised.
These devices are indiscriminate and cause unnecessary suffering
A Scottish SPCA special investigations inspector said:
“The Scottish SPCA does not support the use of glue traps. These devices are indiscriminate and cause unnecessary suffering to any bird or animal caught in them.
“People setting these traps are obliged to check them regularly to prevent suffering, but there is no practical way of enforcing this. Too often, they are place incorrectly, putting non-target species such as birds at risk.
“It’s an outdated and inhumane method of pest control that has no place in a compassionate, modern society.”
In March last year, the Scottish Parliament passed the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill following years of campaigning by the Scottish SPCA.
The legislation places a ban on all forms of snares and glue traps, offering some much-needed protection for Scotland’s wildlife.
If you see a trap you suspect is illegal, contact the Scottish SPCA.
Anyone who discovers a trapped animal in distress or suspects a trap or snare, they suspect is illegal, should contact the charity’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
