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Friday, March 29, 2024

Telangana Prohibits Use of Cruel Glue Traps for Rodent Control

The Telangana state government has issued orders to prohibit the manufacture and sale of glue traps with an aim to eliminate the use of these cruel and illegal rodent control devices.

Circulars regarding a ban on the use of glue traps were issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India had appealed to the state government to take immediate steps to implement the same.

In the order, Director of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Department Anita Rajendra directed district veterinary & animal husbandry officers (DVAHO) and member secretaries of the district society for the prevention of cruelty to animals to follow the directives of the state government and the AWBI and to issue appropriate instructions to field staff.

DVAHOs were also directed to request that police seize glue traps from manufacturers and traders, issue public-awareness notices regarding humane method of rodent control as well as the ban on the use of glue traps, and submit a report of the action taken within 15 days.

AWBI had issued circulars in 2011 and 2020 stating that the use of cruel devices like glue traps is a punishable offence under Section 11 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

What are glue traps?

Usually made of plastic trays or sheets of cardboard covered with strong glue, these devices can trap mice, rats, and other animals, who often die of hunger, dehydration, or exposure after days of prolonged suffering.

Others may suffocate when their noses and mouths become stuck in the glue, while some even chew through their own limbs in a desperate bid for freedom and die from blood loss.

Those found alive may be thrown into the bin along with the trap or face an even more barbaric death, such as by bludgeoning or drowning.

Glue traps often end up killing other animals too – including birds, squirrels, reptiles, and frogs – in apparent violation of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits the “hunting” of protected indigenous species.

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Humane ways to keep rodents away

According to PETA, the best way to control rodent populations is to make an area unattractive or inaccessible to them by eliminating food sources, keeping surfaces and floors clean, and storing food in chew-proof containers.

Sealing trash cans, and using ammonia-soaked cotton balls or rags can also drive rodents away as they hate the smell of the chemical. After giving them a few days to leave, seal entry points using foam sealant, steel wool, hardware cloth, or metal flashing.

Rodents can also be removed using humane cage traps but must be released within 100 yards of where they were found – animals relocated beyond their natural territory struggle to find adequate food, water, and shelter and can die as a result.

What to do if you find an animal stuck to a glue trap?

If you encounter an animal who is stuck to a glue trap, put a few drops of oil at the point between the glue and the animal. Do not use too much oil as it may prove lethal for the animal later due to exposure.

To remove the animal from the glue, slide a tissue or paper underneath freed body parts to prevent them from getting re-stuck.

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