Picking up mice after sanitising your hands can affect mouse behaviour

During the Covid 19 pandemic, most of us have become all too familiar with hand sanitisers, sometimes complaining of their strong smell or the feeling left on our hands, whilst appreciating their protective effects.

UFAW responds to DEFRA consultation on genome editing, highlighting potential welfare benefits but also significant dangers

In a recent consultation on the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) produced by genome editing (GE) or other genetic technologies, DEFRA* made a distinction between genetic changes that could have been developed using traditional breeding methods and those that could not.  However, the use of traditional breeding methods as a benchmark for what is and what is not acceptable is neither useful, nor scientifically logical.

Rodent glue traps consultation

UFAW is pleased to see that the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) recommends a ban on the use of glue traps in its recently published report on the use of rodent glue traps in Scotland.

These devices are used to control ‘pests’ including rats and mice by catching them on a sticky board.  Captured animals (which sometimes include non-target species) may remain alive and stuck to the board for hours, causing severe suffering as they try to escape.  Astonishingly, these traps can currently be freely sold to, and used by, the general public in the UK.