A comprehensive ban on the use, supply, and possession of vertebrate glue traps officially took effect across Scotland on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The prohibition follows the resolution of previous legal conflicts with UK internal market rules.
Under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, individuals who violate the new regulations face severe legal consequences.
Penalties include a fine of up to £40,000 or a prison sentence of up to 12 months.
The legislation aims to eliminate sticky adhesive trays that cause severe and often fatal injuries to trapped animals.
Victims commonly break bones, tear skin, and rip out fur or feathers while struggling to free themselves.
The Scottish SPCA reported handling 48 cases of animals caught in glue traps between 2023 and 2026.
This includes six intelligence reports managed by its serious animal welfare crimes unit in 2025 alone.
Documented victims across Scottish cities included bats, baby mice, seagulls, and magpies.
In a 2024 incident, two robins in Edinburgh had to be euthanized due to catastrophic injuries.
"Glue traps are inhumane devices that inflict prolonged suffering on any animal unfortunate enough to become caught in one," said a Scottish SPCA special investigations inspector.
The inspector noted that the enforcement marks a pivotal shift for regional conservation efforts after witnessing the severe physical trauma inflicted on local wildlife.
"We've seen first-hand the catastrophic injuries they cause, so today's ban coming into force is a hugely important step forward for animal welfare in Scotland.
No animal should have to endure this kind of suffering," the inspector added.
The policy implementation was delayed because the UK Government's Internal Market Act 2020 requires goods sold in one part of the UK to be available elsewhere.
A specific statutory exclusion for Scotland was necessary to proceed.
"Glue traps are indiscriminate and cruel," said Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.
The minister explained that the newly secured legal exclusion allowed the administration to move forward confidently with full enforcement capabilities across use, possession, and sale.
"They have no place in a Scotland that takes its responsibilities to wildlife and animal welfare seriously.
This ban sends a clear message that we will not tolerate methods that cause unnecessary suffering," Fairlie stated.
Animal protection charity OneKind welcomed the long-campaigned milestone but emphasized that local authorities must maintain strict oversight to prevent illegal online or retail sales.
Similar trends have been observed in England.
"We are thrilled to welcome the ban on glue traps coming into force in Scotland as a milestone moment that will spare countless animals from suffering," said Kirsty Jenkins, director of policy at OneKind.
The organization urged the public and retailers to familiarize themselves with the new legal boundaries and directly report suspected violations to enforcement officers.
"OneKind has long campaigned to see these cruel devices consigned to the history books, and we are delighted that this day has finally arrived," Jenkins said.
The charity reiterated that the success of the statutory change hinges on consistent accountability and monitoring at the community level.
"However, passing legislation is only meaningful if it is accompanied by strong enforcement to ensure the ban is being upheld in practice.
We have already seen examples of glue traps continuing to be sold to members of the public in England, despite it being an offence for those people to use them," Jenkins stated.
Local councils and animal welfare organizations are now monitoring retail channels to ensure full compliance with the strict prohibition.
"The Scottish Government and local authorities must ensure that this landmark change delivers the protection for animals it promises," Jenkins added.
