People found using glue traps in Scotland could face severe penalties, including up to a year in prison, as a nationwide ban on the pest control method comes into effect next month.
Described by the Scottish Government as “indiscriminate and cruel”, these devices are criticised for their inability to differentiate between target pests and other creatures.
Any animal coming into contact with the traps risks becoming ensnared, leading to prolonged distress or even death for non-target species such as songbirds.
From July 1, the use, supply, or possession of glue traps will constitute a criminal offence, carrying potential fines of up to £40,000 or a maximum of 12 months imprisonment. This follows the recent passing of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.
The implementation of this ban was delayed by two years due to the UK Government’s Internal Market Act 2020, which generally mandates that goods lawfully sold in one part of the UK must be available across the entire nation. Scottish ministers successfully sought an exemption for glue traps from these internal market rules, paving the way for the prohibition to proceed.
Jim Fairlie, minister for agriculture and connectivity, said: “Glue traps are indiscriminate and cruel.
“They have no place in a Scotland that takes its responsibilities to wildlife and animal welfare seriously.
“This ban sends a clear message that we will not tolerate methods that cause unnecessary suffering.
“Now that the legal barriers put in place by the UK Government’s Internal Market Act which delayed this ban have been resolved, we can move forward with confidence, knowing we have the tools to enforce it fully.”
The ban applies to vertebrate animals, with invertebrates not being covered by the legislation.
The offences will also apply to anyone who knowingly causes or permits another person to use or supply a glue trap.
