The UK has launched a new licensing regime for rodent glue traps today. This new system, part of the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022, is designed to enhance animal welfare by regulating the use of these traps.
From 31 July, using glue traps without a licence will be illegal, underscoring the government’s commitment to humane pest control practices.
Glue Traps Licensing Scheme
Introduction to the Licensing Scheme
The Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 has introduced a licensing regime for rodent glue traps, which opened for applications on 19 June 2024. As of 31 July, it will be illegal to use these traps without a licence. This move is part of a broader effort to improve animal welfare and ensure that glue traps are used only when absolutely necessary.
Types of Licences Available
The licensing regime offers two types of licences:
- Class Licence (CL53):
- Allows urgent use of glue traps in specific circumstances.
- Requires applicants to provide training certificates and a reference from a professional pest controller if they haven’t held a licence in the past three years.
- Individual Licence (A15):
- Issued for a particular site and timeframe.
- Applicants must provide training certificates, a reference if no recent licence is held, confirmation of a site visit, and permission from the owner/occupier.
Licence Type |
Requirements |
Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Class Licence (CL53) | Training certificates, professional reference | Urgent use in specific circumstances |
| Individual Licence (A15) | Training certificates, professional reference, site visit confirmation, owner permission | Single-use for specific site and timeframe |
Conditions of Use
The licensing authority will issue licences to professional pest controllers who have completed the necessary training, including the RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management and the Principles in the Use of Rodent Glue Traps course.
The licensing regime will permit pest controllers to use glue traps only in exceptional circumstances where they have no other satisfactory solutions available.
The Rationale Behind the Licensing Scheme
The government’s decision to introduce this licensing scheme stems from the recognition of the inhumane nature of glue traps. These traps can cause immense suffering to rodents and other animals, leading to slow and painful deaths through starvation, dehydration, and self-mutilation.
The licensing regime aims to mitigate these issues by ensuring that pest control professionals use glue traps only when absolutely necessary and under strict conditions.
Contributions from Animal Rights Groups
Animal welfare organizations like the RSPCA and Humane Society International (HSI) have been instrumental in pushing for this legislation. Their persistent campaigning and evidence of the cruelty of glue traps have been crucial in driving the government’s decision to regulate their use.
Key Contributions:
- RSPCA: Highlighted the suffering caused by glue traps and rescued numerous non-target animals.
- HSI: Ran the “Unstuck” campaign, advocating for a ban on glue traps and influencing retailers and suppliers.
Feedback and Future Engagement
Natural England, appointed as the licensing authority by Defra, welcomes feedback on the new regime. They have collaborated with Defra to ensure that the licensing process is robust and meets animal welfare standards. Natural England‘s contact details: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Final Overview
The introduction of the glue traps licensing scheme marks a significant step forward in humane pest control practices in the UK.
By regulating the use of these traps, the government aims to protect animal welfare while allowing professional pest controllers to manage rodent populations effectively in exceptional circumstances.
The next steps include monitoring the implementation of this scheme and continuing to engage with stakeholders to refine and improve the process.
Sources: THX News, Natural England, Humane Society, Welsh Government Report & Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
