Sikkim Government Stands Up for Rodents, Demands Enforcement of Ban on Glue Traps Following PETA India Appeal

Following an appeal by PETA India, the Sikkim Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department has issued a letter to the district collector of Gangtok to ensure strict enforcement of the state’s 2016 notification prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and use of glue traps for rodent control. The letter states that even though glue traps are cruel and illegal, they are openly sold. In its appeal, PETA India had requested the state government to take immediate steps to implement circulars issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India advising that glue traps be prohibited.

PETA India noted in its appeal that the use of glue traps is a punishable offence under Section 11 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Usually made of plastic trays or sheets of cardboard covered with strong glue, they’re indiscriminate killers, often catching non-target animals – including birds, squirrels, reptiles, and frogs. This is in apparent violation of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits the “hunting” of protected indigenous species. Mice, rats, and other animals caught on these traps can die of hunger, dehydration, or exposure after days of prolonged suffering. Others may suffocate when their noses and mouths become stuck in the glue, while some even chew through their legs in a desperate bid for freedom and die from blood loss. Those found alive may be thrown away along with the trap or may face an even more traumatic death, such as by bludgeoning or drowning.

This is why glue traps are cruel for rats.#PETAIndia pic.twitter.com/Hcjimgqk6u

— PETA India (@PetaIndia) June 28, 2021

The best way to control rodent populations is to make the area unattractive or inaccessible to them. This can be done by eliminating food sources, keeping surfaces and floors clean, storing food in chew-proof containers, sealing trash cans, and using ammonia-soaked cotton balls or rags to drive rodents away (they hate the smell.). After giving them a few days to leave, entry points can be sealed using foam sealant, steel wool, hardware cloth, or metal flashing. Rodents can also be removed using humane cage traps but must be released near where they were found – animals relocated outside their natural territory struggle to find adequate food, water, and shelter and can die as a result.

If you find an animal in need, please call PETA India on (0) 9820122602.