The Glue Traps (Offences) Bill introduces a ban on the usage of glue traps by the public to catch rodents.
An offence to set a glue trap
The bill will make it an offence to set a glue trap for the purpose of catching a rodent, or in a manner which gives rise to a risk that a rodent will be caught.
Finding and failing to disable a glue trap will also constitute an offence unless there is reason to believe that the trap was set under the terms of a glue trap license.
Failure to comply with the ban could result in imprisonment for up to 51 weeks and/or an unlimited fine.
New licensing regime to be developed
The ban will come in to force in two years’ time.
During this period, the government will develop and implement the new licensing regime. The details of this scheme are yet to be worked out.
Posing a serious threat
Glue traps are boards coated with a non-drying adhesive intended to trap rodents as they cross the board.
Animal welfare groups and other stakeholders have welcomed the bill, asserting that glue traps prolong animal suffering while also posing a serious risk to non-target species.
Usage under license
Professional users will be permitted to continue usage under license from the Secretary of State where “there is no other satisfactory solution” for the purpose of “preserving public health or public safety”, for example in critical infrastructure.