The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) are renewing calls for a glue trap ban after a magpie and sparrow were discovered in one of the traps at an address in North Lanarkshire this week.
An SSPCA animal rescue officer made the shocking discovery of the glue trap - a tray coated with a sticky adhesive typically used to trap rodents and animals classed as vermin - at a property on Pentland Road in Wishaw on Tuesday.
Sadly, the difficult decision was made to put both birds to sleep so as not to prolong their pain and suffering.
SSPCA animal rescue officer, Aidan McIver, said: “Both birds were alive when I arrived but covered in glue and completely stuck to the trap.
“Every time they tried to free themselves, they were unable to and became more and more distressed.
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“The glue would have been ripping the birds’ feathers out with every movement. The magpie’s wing was completely twisted and broken from trying to break free.
“Sadly, as the injuries were so severe and removing the glue would have caused the birds even more pain and suffering, the difficult decision was made to put them both to sleep.
“Glue traps are still legal in the UK but the Scottish SPCA does not support their use as these traps are indiscriminate and will cause unnecessary suffering to any bird or animal caught in them.
“Those setting the traps are obliged to stop unnecessary suffering by checking them regularly but there is no way of monitoring or enforcing this.
“It’s an inhumane method of pest control that has no place in modern society. We would support an outright ban on glue traps.
“If anyone finds a trapped animal in distress or spots a trap or snare they suspect is illegal, please don’t hesitate to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
