RSPCA Queensland in Wacol is urgently calling for a national ban on glue traps after a growing number of native animals, including a kookaburra and a blue-tongue lizard, were found suffering on these adhesive traps intended for pests.
RSPCA’s Concerns Over Wildlife Harm
At RSPCA Queensland’s Wacol facility, staff continue to witness cases of local wildlife being injured or killed by glue traps, sparking renewed advocacy for a total ban on their sale and use across Australia.
The RSPCA reported that adhesive traps, often used to catch rodents, also ensnare non-target animals like birds, reptiles, and small mammals. These animals experience extreme stress and pain, unable to escape from the adhesive surface without significant injury.
According to RSPCA Queensland spokesperson Emma Lagoon, animals often suffer from broken bones, skin tears, and severe dehydration or starvation if not removed quickly. The Wacol-based RSPCA Wildlife Hospital regularly treats animals caught in these traps.
Staff reported treating a kookaburra, which was found with multiple small skinks on a glue trap and a blue-tongue lizard, requiring careful adhesive removal and medical care. The traps have become a growing hazard for native species across Queensland as more reports of trapped wildlife occur each year.
Retailer and Legislative Actions
Major Australian retailers, such as Bunnings, have taken partial steps to reduce wildlife harm by phasing out “naked” glue traps—those without protective barriers. Instead, Bunnings now only stocks versions of the product contained within cages designed to limit wildlife access, following guidelines from regulatory authorities.
However, the RSPCA argues that these measures fall short, noting that animals can still become ensnared in modified traps, and glue traps remain widely available online through retailers like Amazon, Kogan, and Dick Smith.
The current legal landscape for glue traps varies significantly across Australia. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has an outright ban, while Victoria and Tasmania restrict their sale to commercial pest control operators.
There are currently no specific regulations in Queensland and several other states, meaning the traps are readily available to the public. RSPCA Queensland advocates for a nationwide approach, pushing for consistent rules to prevent the continued harm of wildlife.
The Case for a Nationwide Ban
RSPCA Queensland emphasises that glue traps, even those contained within cages, are inhumane and unnecessary, given the availability of more humane pest control options. Glue traps not only harm non-target species but also lead to prolonged suffering. Ms Lagoon noted that animals often get their feet stuck first, then inadvertently stick more body parts as they struggle to free themselves, leading to distress and further injuries. She stated that some animals are so desperate to escape that they chew their limbs.
The RSPCA said there needs to be consistent legislation prohibiting glue traps. They argue that a uniform ban across Australia would prevent accidental wildlife harm, as each state currently has its rules on glue trap use. The organisation believes that with stricter laws, Australia can minimise unnecessary animal suffering and encourage humane pest control practices.
Published 14-Nov-2024