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.
>>> Canadian Retailers Launch Major Sales for Canada Day Shopping Season
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.
