“Too often, our officers have dealt with animals in severe pain and misery at the hands of these devices; which are cruel, indiscriminate and totally unnecessary.”

Wales has become the first country in the UK to ban glue traps after the Senedd passed the Agriculture (Wales) Bill.

The new regulation was voted on 27 June and also paves the way for a new payments scheme which could incentivise farmers to deliver the highest standards of animal welfare.

What are glue traps and snares?

Glue traps, which are trays covered with extremely strong glue are often used to snag rodents, insects, and snakes. Animals stuck on a board struggle to get off it and the glue often pulls off their fur or feathers, causing a lengthy, slow, and painful death.

Meanwhile, snares are wire nooses that are typically tied to heavy objects like stakes or trees, which serve as anchors. The primary purpose of snares is to ensnare foxes or rabbits, but there have been several reported incidents in Wales where snares inadvertently trapped protected species like badgers, and in certain instances, beloved household pets.

According to animal rights organization PETA, animals caught in these devices can take days to die. They may get dismembered or pass away from blood loss, suffocation, hunger, and thirst.

Moreover, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned the public against the use of traps as they increase human exposure to disease. This is because trapped animals will produce urine and feces, and increase the risk of pathogens being transmitted.

‘Momentous day’

Animal welfare charity RSPCA celebrated the decision calling it a “momentous day” for animal welfare in Wales.

The bill is expected to become law later this year, once it has been granted Royal Assent.

David Bowles, RSPCA head of public affairs, said: “The Agriculture (Wales) Bill has provided a massive opportunity to ensure that animal welfare is at the forefront of agriculture policy in Wales.

“It will be a truly momentous occasion for animal welfare to see snares and glue traps banned in Wales and we’re proud of our campaigning efforts in recent years that have helped make this a reality.

“We are also pleased to see the Bill could eventually provide financial incentives for farmers within the agriculture sector in Wales who work to high standards of animal welfare. Therefore, we are delighted to see this Bill has finally come to fruition – following tireless campaigning by RSPCA Cymru.”

PETA in a statement added: “The Welsh government has taken an important step forward and announced it will ban cruel snares and glue traps.

“Snares and glue traps are inhumane, indiscriminate killers, and everyone at PETA welcomes this important progress for animals.”

Bans in other UK countries

The UK Government also introduced a ban on the use of glue traps in England last year, which will be enforced from April 2024. However, there are some exceptions to this ban that will allow licensed pest controllers to continue utilizing them. In contrast, Wales is set to implement a complete ban – which will be the first of its kind in the UK.

 “Snares and glue traps have no place in a modern and compassionate Wales. Both have the potential to cause immeasurable suffering to animals,” Bowles said.

“On snares, this will be the first ban of its kind in the UK and will be a huge step forward in Wales and we are also pleased there are no exceptions to the glue trap ban.

“Too often, our officers have dealt with animals in severe pain and misery at the hands of these devices; which are cruel, indiscriminate and totally unnecessary.”

It is important to note that the legislation does not include banning the sale of traps across Wales.

“Although their use will be banned outright, there is still no law against buying these devices,” Bowles added.

 “Because of this, the enforcement of the bans on the use of snares and glue traps will be key to ensuring that animals are protected from these traps, as intended by the Welsh Government.”

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