THE Scottish SPCA is highlighting the use of illegal traps after a seagull was discovered in a glue trap at a property in Aberdeen on Saturday 10 August.
In March this year, the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill was passed in the Scottish Parliament after years of campaigning by the charity.
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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.
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.
A Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, who attended the rescue, said: “I attended a call out for a seagull who had become trapped in a glue rat trap that was stuck to the underneath of his wing.”
“I took the gull to one of our centres and he was given several warm soapy washes in attempts to remove the trap which was successful. The poor gull was so stressed after his ordeal, he was transferred to our wildlife centre for further treatment to remove the glue from his feathers after some well-earned rest.”
“If anyone finds a trapped animal in distress or spots a trap or snare they suspect is illegal, please don’t hesitate to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
- The Scottish SPCA is Scotland’s animal welfare charity, separate from the RSPCA, who work in England and Wales.
- It is the only animal charity in the UK able to report animal cruelty cases to the Crown, with reports sent to the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service.
- The Scottish SPCA is a registered charity with the Scottish Charity No. SC 006467 regulated by OSCR
