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Glue traps ban completes House of Commons journey
The Bill has now moved on to the House of Lords, where it will be taken forward by RSCPA vice president and former chair Baroness Fookes.

The RSPCA welcomes the news. 

The Glue Traps (Offences) Bill has completed its passage through the House of Commons, bringing a ban on the use of glue traps in England a step closer.

Glue traps, consisting of a sheet of plastic, cardboard or wood coated with non-drying adhesive to catch rodents, have long been campaigned against by animal welfare charity the RSPCA owing to the severe suffering they cause. 

Between 2016 and 2021, the RSCPA received 263 incident reports about the use of glue traps, with non-target species frequently becoming sometimes fatally harmed by the traps.

Sponsored by Jane Stevenson, Wolverhampton North East MP, the Private Members' Bill now has the backing of the UK Government, and would make using a glue trap to catch a rodent illegal in England, unless under license. 

Evie Button, from the RSPCA's wildlife department, commented: "Glue traps are horrible devices, which have no place in modern England. Our officers have repeatedly been left shocked and horrified by the awful injuries inflicted to wildlife, pets and other animals.

"It's fantastic therefore that a ban on deadly glue traps is a step nearer, as this Bill completed its House of Commons journey - and we'd like to thank Jane Stevenson MP for all her efforts in making this happen.

"We now look forward to working with Baroness Fookes and other Members of the House of Lords; as we edge closer to ridding England of glue traps; which are indiscriminate and risk causing animals severe suffering.

"Unfortunately, glue traps are widely available and a cheap method of rodent control - but there are other, more humane methods available too such as humane deterrence.

"We hope any ban on glue traps extends to their sale, as well as their use - and urge British nations to work together to overcome any barriers in law to stopping their sale; and work to get these devices out of shopping baskets and into the history books."

 

Images (C) RSPCA

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.