Glue trap ban comes into full force in Scotland

Scotland's glue trap ban has come into full force - with animal rights campaigners welcoming the move to outlaw the "inhumane devices".

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The traps - which are typically trays coated with a sticky adhesive - do not immediately kill an animal, but those stuck in them can suffer severe and often fatal injuries.

Although usually used to ensnare rodents and animals classed as vermin, the devices cannot distinguish between target and non-target creatures.

The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) said as animals struggle to free themselves from the strong adhesive, they rip out feathers, patches of fur and break bones.

The animal welfare charity said "many die from their injuries, or succumb slowly to dehydration, hunger or exposure".

From 1 July, it is now a criminal offence to use, supply or possess a glue trap. Offenders face a fine of up to £40,000 or up to 12 months in prison.

A Scottish SPCA special investigations inspector said: "Glue traps are inhumane devices that inflict prolonged suffering on any animal unfortunate enough to become caught in one.

"We've seen first-hand the catastrophic injuries they cause, so today's ban coming into force is a hugely important step forward for animal welfare in Scotland.

"No animal should have to endure this kind of suffering."

Between 2023 and 2026, the Scottish SPCA received 48 reports relating to animals caught in glue traps.

In 2025 alone, the charity's special investigations unit - which deals with serious animal welfare crimes - has handled six intelligence reports involving these traps.

Victims have included bats, baby mice and birds.

In 2024, two robins had to be euthanised after suffering severe injuries during their desperate bid to escape from a glue trap in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh.

In the same year, a seagull got stuck on a glue board - branded as a "rat terminator" - in Aberdeen. Fortunately, the bird was saved by the Scottish SPCA.

But then in 2025, a magpie had to be euthanised after getting stuck in one of the devices in Glasgow.

The ban - which applies to vertebrate animals only - was passed two years ago under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.

However, it was unable to come into full force as the UK government's Internal Market Act 2020 requires that goods lawfully sold in one part of the country can generally be sold in any other part.

Scottish ministers sought to close the loophole and asked the UK government to introduce a statutory instrument to exempt glue traps from those internal market rules.

An exclusion is now in place which allows the Scottish government to commence the ban in full, covering use, possession and sale.

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Kirsty Jenkins, director of policy at OneKind, said the animal protection charity was "thrilled" with the ban and described it as a "milestone moment that will spare countless animals from suffering".

She added: "However, passing legislation is only meaningful if it is accompanied by strong enforcement to ensure the ban is being upheld in practice.

"We have already seen examples of glue traps continuing to be sold to members of the public in England, despite it being an offence for those people to use them.

"The Scottish government and local authorities must ensure that that this landmark change delivers the protection for animals it promises."

Jim Fairlie, minister for agriculture and connectivity, previously 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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Glue trap ban comes into full force in Scotland