BC SPCA calls for glue trap ban to prevent animal suffering

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Local governments are being called to endorse a resolution at the 2024 UBCM Convention banning the sale and use of glue traps that cause “severe pain and suffering” to small animals. 

BC SPCA says it is an inhumane treatment for rodents, pets, and other small animals that die from suffocation, dehydration, starvation, exhaustion or exposure.

“For years, the BC SPCA has advocated against wildlife control methods that cause prolonged suffering and endanger non-target species,” says Sarah Herring, the BC SPCA’s Government Relations Officer.

Greater Victoria councillors Teale Phelps-Bondaroff and John Rogers brought forward the resolution after a presentation from Lavinia Rojas, one of the BC SPCA’s passionate supporters.

“I am pleased to see this resolution heading on to UBCM and hope that delegates there will support it as enthusiastically as the delegates at [the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities],” said councillor Bondaroff.

“Glue traps are inhumane and indiscriminate. The animals caught in glue traps suffer horrific and lingering deaths, and this is a fate experienced by target and non-target animals alike.”

According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Medical Association, glue traps are not considered an acceptable means of killing vertebrate animals.

Glue traps have already been banned in countries such as Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, England, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Wales and parts of Australia and India.

BC SPCA is advising people to rodent proof their living spaces to prevent any infestation before it starts. Other methods include snap traps or captive bolt traps. 

More on the BC SPCA’s resolution can be found here. 

The UBCM Convention will take place from September 16th, to the 20th at the Vancouver Convention Centre.