DEFRA have today released a document titled ‘Action for Animals’. The document has the backing of and includes a foreword by George Eustice (Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). The Action Plan for Animal Welfare sets out DEFRA’s plans, aims and ambitions across 5 key areas:
· sentience and enforcement
· international trade and advocacy
· farm animals
· pets and sporting animals
· wild animals
The document specifically mentions a proposal to restrict the use of rodent glue boards. The statement reads:
‘We will also look to ‘restrict’ the use of glue traps as a means of pest control to help make sure rodents are despatched in a humane manner. Glue traps can cause immense suffering to rodents and other animals that inadvertently fall victim to their use’
As members will be aware, we have been fighting as an Association and as part of the Pest Management Alliance to maintain the option to use these products. There is no specific mention of what form these ‘restrictions’ will take at present.
We have been in consultation with DEFRA over the subject of glue boards and will of course keep members updated on any further developments.