CAPE TOWN – The use and sale of glue traps in Cape Town has come under renewed scrutiny, with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA warning that the devices cause severe and prolonged animal suffering and may contravene national legislation.
Since 2023, the SPCA has received and responded to 47 complaints relating to shops selling glue traps, with 14 of these complaints originating from specific areas flagged by the organisation.
Over the past three years, inspectors have also removed more than 10 000 glue traps from retail outlets across the city, indicating the product’s widespread availability.
Glue traps
Glue traps, also known as glue boards, are commonly marketed as a simple pest control solution. However, the SPCA describes them as one of the most inhumane methods of animal control.
The devices work by immobilising animals on a sticky surface, often leaving them trapped for hours or even days.
During this time, animals experience extreme distress, dehydration and starvation. In desperate attempts to escape, they may tear their skin, break limbs or suffocate.
Death is often slow and painful.
Threat to wildlife
The organisation also raised concerns about the indiscriminate nature of glue traps.
While intended for rodents, they frequently capture birds, reptiles and other small animals.
In a biodiverse urban environment like Cape Town, this poses a threat to wildlife, including protected species.
Legal contravention
Legally, the SPCA believes the use of glue traps may violate the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
The Act prohibits cruelty, torture and ill-treatment of animals and requires that traps be inspected and cleared daily.
According to the SPCA, glue traps are fundamentally incompatible with these provisions, as removing a trapped animal without causing further harm is nearly impossible.
If found guilty of contravening the Act, individuals could face fines of up to R40 000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
The SPCA is urging the City of Cape Town to take decisive action by banning the sale and use of glue traps. Such a move, it says, would align with legal obligations and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare.
Humane alternatives are available, including live-capture traps and preventative measures such as sealing entry points, improving sanitation and removing food sources.
Ethical pest control services are also becoming more widely used.
Residents are encouraged to report retailers selling glue traps to the SPCA, providing details such as the store name, location and date observed.
The organisation maintains that addressing pest problems should not come at the cost of unnecessary suffering, calling for compassion and responsible solutions in managing urban wildlife.
To report live animals caught in glue traps, please contact our Inspectorate on 021 700 4158/9 during office hours or 083 326 1604 after hours.
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