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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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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.