socRATties

The Glue Traps Issue:

SAY NO TO GLUE TRAPS

Glue are often used to catch mice, rats, sparrows and other small birds, and are thought by some to be a more humane method of catching small animals that are seen as pests. Glue traps, however, are an extremely cruel method of catching animals. We believe that if people understood the degree of cruelty associated with the use of glue traps, they would want no part of them.

A 1983 test that evaluated the effectiveness of glue traps found that trapped mice struggling to free themselves would pull out their own hair, exposing bare, raw areas of skin. The mice broke or even bit off their own legs, and the glue caused their eyes to become badly irritated and scarred. After three to five hours in the glue traps, the mice defecated and urinated heavily because of their severe stress and fear, and quickly became covered with their own excrement. Animals whose faces become stuck in the glue slowly suffocate, and all trapped animals are subject to starvation and dehydration. It takes anywhere from three to five days for the mouse to finally die. This is nothing less than torture.

Because of the cruelty of glue traps, many veterinarians have issued affidavits opposing their use. In one such document, Dr. Robert M. Lynn stated, "In my estimation, there is much suffering by the entrapped animals. It is not a sudden or merciful death, but one brought on by starvation and thirst." Dr. Dianne Ferris added, "Because all mammals have similar nervous systems, they are capable of experiencing the same type of pain and suffering. Thus, rodents suffer as much as any other mammal and are capable of being traumatized and abused."   If you encounter an animal who is stuck to a glue trap, pour a small amount of cooking oil or baby oil onto the stuck areas and gently work the animal free

If traps are needed to remove mice or rats, humane box-type traps are available from humane societies and hardware stores. These traps are a box-like plastic or cage-like metal with a spring-release trap door at one end that closes behind the animal once he or she enters the trap. The trap can then be taken outdoors where the animal can be released. Live, humane rodent traps are widely available (information enclosed), and have the added benefit of being reusable, while glue traps are not. The labor involved in using these is comparable to glue traps, as someone will always have to pick up the trap and discard it, or in the case of a humane trap, release the mouse outdoors.

Measures to prevent mice from re-entering the building, (as they surely will over time). Patch all holes larger than 1/4" in diameter, seal cracks in the walls and floor, and close gaps around plumbing, doors, windows. This should help to prevent the need to deal with the problem of removing mice again.  Alternatively soaking balls of cotton wool in peppermint oil and leaving in appropriate places for around 3 weeks, discourages mice.

It is important to remember that though small and removed from our day-to-day world, mice and other small animals are mammals, with nervous systems and perceptions of pain that are similar to humans. There is no evidence that mice suffer any less than we do

TACKY IMPORTS SLAMMED - NSPCA INITIATES “HALL OF SHAME” ISSUED ON TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2006
CONTACT CHRISTINE KUCH ON 011-907-3590

Consumer clout is powerful. The public is being called upon to make its feelings known regarding inhumane, irresponsible and destructive items on sale in stores: - known as VASTRAP – GLUE TRAPS, made in Korea and imported by Heneck, Sacks and Co of Cape Town. PO Box 1211 CAPE TOWN 8000. CRAZY STORES sell these traps. Promoted on the packaging as “No poison, safety and sanitary, disposable”, the packaging advises purchasers and users to keep the items “out of reach of children and pet”. Directions on the pack include “To dispose of traps cover with newspaper and pick them up with dustpan and broom.”  These are literally traps of glue – food is placed inside to lure the animal which is then embedded and totally stuck in the glue. If a live animal were caught in the sticky glue trap and disposed of whilst still alive, the NSPCA believes a violation of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 would have taken place. When these horrific contraptions were first investigated by the NSPCA some years ago, contact was made with Heneck Sacks who stated that suppliers in the Far East “have never experienced a complaint.” Not surprising as no-one would know how to get hold of them and the point of origin – Korea – is hardly renowned for its animal welfare record. The other known sales outlet of these dreadful glue traps withdrew them from sale following complaint from the NSPCA.

The NSPCA objections are :

:: The manner of death of any creature caught in these traps is prolonged and inhumane. The creature is literally stuck until it dies of exhaustion or starvation
:: ANY animal can be caught up and die in this manner. There are cases of kittens or fledglings caught in these traps
:: The traps will not address a genuine rodent infestation problem
:: No controls are in place to restrict or limit sales of these contraptions, for example using either an age restriction or advising on the use and abuse
:: Persons of malicious intent may buy them freely
:: Lack of co-operation from the CRAZY STORE / HENECK SACKS groups.

The NSPCA sympathises with anyone who is experiencing a rodent problem but emphasises that there are humane ways to deal with such issues. Blatant, flagrant cruelty should not be tolerated and we call upon anyone who has seen these traps for sale to let us know where.

URBAN SPROUT

http://www.urbansprout.co.za./

This very awsome website was mailed to me by Paula of the SA Rat Fan Club, and what a good site it is. For anyone wanting to do their bit for the earth, this is the practicle place to go and check out how to.