A magpie had to be euthanised after it got stuck in an illegal glue trap in Glasgow.
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The Scottish SPCA said the trap had been intended for rodent control within a communal bin store in the city’s Ashgill Road area.
The animal welfare charity said it was alerted to the “distressing incident” by a local resident.
The bird’s belly and right wing was found to be stuck to the trap, with glue also present on its face and around its eye.
A rescue officer was able to free the magpie using vegetable oil, but it had to be euthanised due to its severe injuries.
The incident has prompted renewed warnings over the use of glue traps, which are trays coated with a sticky adhesive typically used to ensnare rodents and animals classed as vermin.
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Last year, the Scottish parliament passed the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill – making it illegal to buy or possess the traps.
The use of glue traps is also banned in England and Wales, but the sale is not.
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Those working within Glasgow’s cleansing team have previously highlighted the city’s rat problem.
Chris Mitchell, GMB convenor for cleansing, recently posted a video of rodents scurrying down a street.
And earlier this month, Mr Mitchell called for the council to declare a health and safety emergency amid fears the warm weather may cause the number of rat sightings across the city to spike.
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Glasgow City Council – which is already extending its pest control team as part of agreed investment in frontline services – said the best way to deter rats is to ensure all food waste is properly disposed of in a bin.
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 placed incorrectly, putting non-target species such as birds at risk.
“It’s an outdated and inhumane method of pest control that has no place in a compassionate, modern society.”
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If you spot a trap you suspect is illegal, contact the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.
