Animal protection charity OneKind has welcomed the Scottish Government’s ban on the use, supply and possession of glue traps, which comes into force today (1^st July 2026).

The ban goes further than  England and Wales, which have already banned the use of glue traps, and marks the end of a cruel and indiscriminate practice. 

Glue traps cause significant and prolonged suffering, leaving animals struggling to escape, sometimes to the point of breaking their own bones or tearing their skin off, causing intense distress and a slow death.. OneKind has campaigned for many years to see these devices banned in Scotland. 

The charity says the ban is a major step forward for animal welfare but has stressed that robust enforcement will be crucial to ensure the legislation delivers real change. 

Kirsty Jenkins, Director of Policy at OneKind, said: 

“We are thrilled to welcome the ban on glue traps coming into force in Scotland as a milestone moment that will spare countless animals from suffering. OneKind has long campaigned to see these cruel devices consigned to the history books, and we are delighted that this day has finally arrived. 

“However, passing legislation is only meaningful if it is accompanied by strong enforcement to ensure the ban is being upheld in practice. We have already seen examples of glue traps continuing to be sold to members of the public in England, despite it being an offence for those people to use them. 

“The Scottish Government and local authorities must ensure that that this landmark change delivers the protection for animals it promises.” 

OneKind is urging members of the public and retailers to familiarise themselves with the new rules and report any suspected illegal sale or use of glue traps. 

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Notes to Editor 

For more information please contact: 

Eve Massie - [email protected] 

1. OneKind is a Scottish animal welfare charity founded in 1911, that works to end cruelty for all animals: wild, farmed, and companion. Through lobbying, high-impact campaigns and public education, OneKind creates meaningful change to free Scotland’s animals from suffering.