Garden tragedy warning issued as two robins killed in deadly glue traps

Heartbreaking pictures show two dead robins stuck in glue traps - as authorities issue an appeal about the dangerous devices.

The Scottish SPCA is warning about glue traps after a series of incidents have killed and injured various wildlife. The Society has long been opposed to the use of glue traps, which are trays coated with a sticky adhesive typically used to trap rodents and animals classed as vermin.

On August 22 in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh, two robins met a horrific death after becoming stuck in a glue trap.  A special investigations inspector said: "The poor things were stuck by their front and legs. It meant that every time they tried to free themselves, the glue would have been ripping their feathers out with every movement.

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"Sadly, as the injuries were so severe and removing the glue would have caused the robins even more pain and suffering, the difficult decision was made to put them both to sleep."

Four baby mice found screaming in a trap in Glasgow were euthanised to relieve them of the horrifying pain and suffering they were in.A long-eared bat was also put to sleep at the weekend after the underside of their wings and an ear were stuck to a glue trap in Aberdeenshire that was used for insects.

And last month, the charity issued a warning after a seagull had become trapped in Aberdeen on a glue trap. Thankfully the bird survived the ordeal. The inspector continued: "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. Many of these traps are set in the wrong place which means birds and other animals can be trapped."

"It's an inhumane method of pest control that has no place in modern society."

In March this year, the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill was passed in the Scottish Parliament after years of campaigning by the charity. The Bill includes a range of measures that will give greater protection to wildlife, including a ban on the use of all forms of snares and ban on use of glue traps.

If anyone finds a trapped animal in distress or spots a trap or snare they suspect is illegal, please do not hesitate to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.