The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has launched the first-ever action plan to improve the welfare and conservation of animals at home and abroad, which includes legislation to restrict the use of glue traps.
The Action Plan for Animal Welfare, launched today by the Environment Secretary George Eustice, will build on our existing world leading standards by recognising animals as sentient in law and committing to a range of new game changing welfare measures to protect pets, livestock and wild animals.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “We are a nation of animal lovers and were the first country in the world to pass animal welfare laws.
“Our Action Plan for Animal Welfare will deliver on our manifesto commitment to ban the export of live animal exports for slaughter and fattening, prohibit keeping primates as pets and bring in new laws to tackle puppy smuggling.
“We will lead on the protection of animals abroad by implementing the world’s toughest ivory ban and banning the import of hunting trophies to protect iconic species. As an independent nation we are now able to go further than ever to build on our excellent track record.”
On page 18 of the plan, it states: “We will also look to restrict the use of glue traps as a means of pest control to help make sure rodents are despatched in a humane manner. Glue traps can cause immense suffering to rodents and other animals that inadvertently fall victim to their use.”
The British Pest Control Association said it supports the restriction of glue trap sales to the general public, but has always been a staunch opponent of an outright ban.
Ian Andrew, BPCA chief executive, said: “We certainly support the aims of Defra’s action plan to strengthen the UK’s commitment to animal welfare.
“However, glue traps remain an essential tool for pest professionals to protect public health when all else fails or time is critical to protect human life. In short, they’re the last line of defence for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”
Mr Andrew said that BPCA will continue to talk to Defra and advocate strongly that BPCA member companies should still have access to these tools, making it clear that it fully supports a ban on the sale to the general public.
He added: “Our community is continually disgusted by images of non-target species being caught on glue traps or rodents being left to suffer by untrained users. The only safe pair of hands for a rodent glue board is a qualified pest professional.
“We will continue to represent members and make sure Defra considers the public health implications of its action plan.”
The Action Plan for Animal Welfare is located HERE.
