South Essex Wildlife Hospital has issued a heartfelt alert to households across the UK, warning about the dangers of glue traps to robins and other wildlife. The hospital shared a distressing image of a robin stuck fast to a glue trap, pleading with the public to stop using these devices, which have already been banned in Scotland but remain available for purchase online.
Heartbreaking Rescue of a Robin
The wildlife hospital posted the image on social media, describing the robin as "yet another victim of the indiscriminate nature of glue traps." The robin had struggled so desperately to escape that several of its feathers were torn free, and it arrived at the hospital so weak that staff were uncertain it would survive the removal process. Fortunately, with the help of Eaze Off spray, donated by Millpledge Veterinary, the removal was quick, and the robin is now making great progress.
What Are Glue Traps?
Glue traps are flat or enclosed trays coated with a powerful, non-drying adhesive, designed to catch pests such as mice, rats, and insects. While cheap and readily available, they are deeply controversial due to the severe suffering and welfare issues they cause to animals. Despite a ban for public use in England several years ago, they remain easily purchasable online, leading to continued incidents involving birds, reptiles, and even foxes.
Public Outcry and Calls for Wider Ban
The post sparked outrage among commenters. One fumed: "Banned in Scotland, ban them everywhere." Another noted: "They're supposed to be banned here in England too, but they're easily purchased online." Millpledge Veterinary responded: "Stories like this are heartbreaking, but we're incredibly grateful to the team at South Essex Wildlife Hospital for the care and dedication they show every day. We're proud that Eaze-Off could play a small part in helping this robin on the road to recovery. Here's hoping for a full recovery and a future free from these indiscriminate traps."
One animal lover highlighted additional risks: "Also, sticky fly papers in stables are death traps...especially to swallows." Another questioned: "Why on Earth are these evil things still for sale?" A reader suggested alternative pest control: "The best solution for rats/mice is to block every single possible entry point... Keep waste controlled properly (bins closed, no loose bags, etc)."
Uplifting Update
Thankfully, the hospital later provided an uplifting update, confirming that the robin survived the ordeal. Although it lost some feathers, it is on the road to recovery, thanks to the dedicated team at South Essex Wildlife Hospital.
The hospital urges everyone with robins visiting their gardens to never use glue traps, emphasizing that nothing deserves to suffer such a fate.
