Description

It is now illegal for members of the public in England to use glue traps to catch rodents and other animals. The Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 came into effect on 31 July 2024 after years of campaigning by the UK’s leading veterinary and animal welfare organisations, bringing England closer in line to strict legislation around their use and sale in Scotland and Wales.

The Act makes it illegal for members of the public to use these rodent management products, while professional pest controllers need to apply for a licence for their use and follow strict licensing requirements.

AWF-funded research project "An assessment of animal welfare impacts in wild Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) management" investigated by Dr Sandra Baker, was cited as evidence as part of Parliament’s Glue Trap Offences bill in 2022.

This project, jointly funded with Universities Federation for Animal Welfare in 2020, assessed the relative welfare impacts of six rat management methods. Glue traps were deemed one of the methods with the greatest impact on welfare and thus the research supported the need for a new glue traps bill. It also informed British Veterinary Association (BVA)’s position on glue traps.

Dr Baker’s research also informed the Scottish government’s decision to ban glue traps in January 2022. Wales’ total ban on the use of snares and glue traps came into force on 17th October 2023.

Dr Baker is currently looking for funding for a follow-up project which will look at the welfare impacts of releasing live trapped rats.

DOWNLOAD DR BAKER'S FINAL GRANT REPORT