A new law taking effect today (Wednesday, July 1) makes it a criminal offence to use, supply, or possess glue traps for catching vertebrate animals such as mice and rats in Scotland. Offenders face fines of up to £40,000 or up to 12 months in prison.
Ban Details and Penalties
The ban applies to glue traps, which are adhesive boards used to catch rodents. Under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, anyone caught using, supplying, or possessing these traps for use on vertebrates can be prosecuted. The maximum penalty is a £40,000 fine or a 12-month prison sentence, or both.
Animal welfare group Protect The Wild posted on social media: "From today, July 1st, it will be a criminal offence to use, supply or possess a glue trap for use on vertebrate animals in Scotland. Offenders face a fine of up to £40,000 or up to 12 months in prison. These vile traps should be banned everywhere."
Implementation Delays and Legal Background
The ban was originally passed in 2024 but could not be fully implemented until now due to complications with the UK Government's Internal Market Act 2020. This act generally allows goods lawfully sold in one part of the UK to be sold in any other part. Since glue traps remain legal to sell in England (though illegal for use by the public without a license), Scotland needed special permission to exclude them from these internal market rules.
The Scottish Government explained: "To close this gap, Scottish Ministers asked the UK Government to introduce a Statutory Instrument to exempt glue traps from those internal market rules. With that exclusion now in place, the Scottish Government can commence the full ban - covering use, possession and sale."
In Wales, the use of glue traps was made illegal in 2023. In England, they are still legal to sell but can only be used by licensed professionals.
Government and Ministerial Statements
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."
He added: "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."
Impact and Enforcement
The ban is now fully enforceable across Scotland. Anyone found in possession of a glue trap intended for use on vertebrates, or supplying or using such traps, can be prosecuted. The Scottish Government expects the ban to significantly reduce animal suffering caused by these traps, which are often criticized for causing prolonged pain and distress to trapped animals.
