Magpie dies after being caught in glue trap left for rodents at Glasgow bins

Daily Record

13-05-2025

WARNING- DISTRESSING IMAGE.
A magpie was put to sleep after being caught in a glue trap in Glasgow.
The distressed bird was discovered stuck to a trap intended for rodent control by a local resident on Ashgill Road in the Milton area of the city.
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The animal was stuck to the glue by its belly and right wing, with glue also present on its face and around its eye.
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Animal welfare officers from the Scottish SPCA attending to the magpie was able to use vegetable oil to free it from the adhesive. However, its injuries were too severe for it to be saved, and the decision was made to humanely euthanise it.
A shocking image from the rescue shows it lying stuck to the trap, which had been placed on the ground inside a communal bin storage area.
The incident has prompted renewed warnings about the dangerous nature of sticky adhesive pest traps, which are often left exposed and pose significant risks to wildlife.
A Scottish SPCA special investigations inspector said: 'The Scottish SPCA does not support the use of glue traps. These devices are indiscriminate and cause unnecessary suffering to any bird or animal caught in them.
'People setting these traps are obliged to check them regularly to prevent suffering, but there is no practical way of enforcing this. Too often, they are place incorrectly, putting non-target species such as birds at risk.
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'It's an outdated and inhumane method of pest control that has no place in a compassionate, modern society.'
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In March last year, the Scottish Parliament passed the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill following years of campaigning by the Scottish SPCA.
The legislation places a ban on all forms of snares and glue traps, offering some much-needed protection for Scotland's wildlife.
Anyone who discovers a trapped animal in distress, or suspects a trap or snare they believe is illegal, should contact the charity's confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.