Legislative update: glue traps ban

17 January 2025

Under the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022, which went into full effect in July 2024, the use of glue traps by the public is illegal in England (exceptions exist for licensed pest control professionals under strict conditions). Similar bans have been enacted in Wales and Scotland under the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 and the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, respectively.

The new laws aim to reduce unnecessary suffering caused by these inhumane devices, which in addition to causing severe suffering to the rodents, often harm non-target animals like birds, hedgehogs, and even pets.

To use glue traps legally under the new law, pest controllers must obtain a special license. These licenses are strictly regulated and only issued for specific situations where all other humane control methods have been exhausted. There are two main types of licenses available: a class license for urgent cases and an individual license for specific incidents. This licensing system allows controlled usage in exceptional cases to manage severe infestations, balancing public health needs with humane practices in pest control.

Unfortunately, glue traps are still being sold in many DIY stores and online, often without clear information regarding the laws. This inconsistency undermines the purpose of the ban, perpetuating animal suffering and putting the public at risk of unintentionally committing offences. UFAW, alongside other animal welfare organisations, urge the UK, Welsh, and Scottish governments to implement a GB-wide ban on glue trap sales, ensuring consistent regulations and better protection for animals.

For further information on humane rodent control, please refer to UFAW’s detailed advice webpages here.

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