Durban – The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has expressed its opposition to the use of glue or sticky traps for animals.
The NSPCA said that glue traps can actually be a severe form of animal cruelty and suffering.
“When caught in a glue trap, animals express pain and distress from being stuck in the highly adhesive glue. Many animals go to extreme lengths to escape these traps, which often results in them suffering because they tear their skin or break limbs,” the NSPCA said.
“Those that are unable to escape are often found covered in a mix of the glue and a build-up of their excrement, and many of them end up suffocating or starving to death.”
The NSPCA said that glue traps are not species specific, which results in other animals also getting caught in the traps.
“Cases have been reported where birds, reptiles and other small mammals, including pets, were found trapped,” the NSPCA said.
It said that there are also serious concerns over what happens to the animals when they are found caught in the traps. They are defenceless against other animals, and people sometimes just throw the entire trap, with the live animal, into the bin.
“These animals may not be welcome in your home, but they do deserve compassion, and they are still protected from suffering in terms of the Animals Protection Act no. 71 of 1962,” the NSPCA said.
Here’s how one can help, the NSPCA said:
- Do not support companies that use this method of control.
- Do not buy and make use of glue traps to get rid of unwanted animals; use humane alternatives instead.
“Should you know of any store where this cruel device is being sold, kindly send an email containing the store's details, address and a photograph, if possible, to [email protected],” the NSPCA appealed.
For humane alternatives, people can visit www.npsca.co.za.
Daily News