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Two robins have been euthanised by an animal charity after becoming caught in a banned glue trap in Edinburgh city centre.

The birds suffered severe injuries when their body and legs became stuck in an adhesive-coated tray left in the Grassmarket last month.

MSPs voted in March to ban the traps, which are commonly used to catch vermin, but the new laws are still to come into force.

The Scottish SPCA, which put down the birds, said it was an “inhumane method of pest control that has no place in modern society”.

Warning: This article contains an image some people may find distressing.

The charity’s special investigations inspector said the robins died a “horrific” death.

Baby mice and bats have also been euthanised after being stuck in the traps since the legislation was passed.

Four baby mice were found “screaming” in pain after being stuck in a glue trap in Glasgow, while a bat was euthanised after being stuck in a trap in Aberdeenshire last weekend.

The Scottish SPCA described the traps as inhumane and warned that animals were at risk of death from dehydration, hunger or exposure if mistakenly caught.

The SSPCA said: “These traps are indiscriminate and will cause unnecessary suffering to any bird or animal caught in them.

“Those setting the traps are obliged to stop unnecessary suffering by checking them regularly but there is no way of monitoring or enforcing this.

“Many of these traps are set in the wrong place which means birds and other animals can be trapped.”

The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill was passed at the Scottish parliament in March.

It banned the purchase and use of wire snares and glue traps – although those specifically designed to catch moths or flies are still allowed.

While other parts of the act have been brought into force, the ban on glue traps is still to be enacted.

Part of that is due to the UK government’s failure to grant an exclusion to the Internal Market Act, which would allow Scotland to ban their sale.

The Scottish government said it was awaiting a UK government update before the ban could be rolled out.

The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said talks between the Scottish and UK governments on approving the exemption were still to take place.

In England, legislation which came into force on 31 July making it an offence to use the traps to capture rodents without a licence.

Hunters might be frustrated, but a local wildlife advocacy organization said the fires can benefit them long-term.

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• https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfires-impact-hunting-season/277-b5058870-d002-4be1-8bd2-24ea1dd15cec

Author: KTVB Staff

Published: 10:43 PM MDT September 19, 2024

Updated: 10:43 PM MDT September 19, 2024

BOISE, Idaho — Wildfires are sending some Idaho hunters’ plans up in flames. 

People are having to find new places to hunt because forest closures mean they cannot get to their usual spots, said Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game spokesperson. 

In response, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is offering Sawtooth Zone A tag owners a refund or an exchange for another uncapped elk zone that is not impacted by wildfire closures.

However, IDFG said in a news release, “If you have hunted on the tag for any portion of the season, you are ineligible for any exchange or refund request.”

Residents with a Sawtooth Zone A tag must request their refund or exchange before Sept. 30. Authorities said tag holders must submit an affidavit stating they haven’t hunted on the tag, and the tag will be surrendered to IDFG. 

For more information or to request an exchange or refund, contact the License office at Licenses@idfg.idaho.gov. 

Nick Fasciano, Idaho Wildlife Federation executive director, said bow hunters are most affected right now. 

“If a hunter has found a spot where they really like to go for deer, elk, or anything, and it’s actively on fire, that’s obviously very frustrating because they’re not going to be able to get a good hunt in this year,” Fasciano said. 

While hunters might be frustrated now, he said the fires can benefit them long-term as long as they do not burn too hot and start to sterilize the soil. 

Fasciano said when fires come through and burn the canopy, that area will see a lot of growth, which is good for deer and elk since that is what they primarily feed on. 

“Hunters generally understand that fire is a really central part of ecosystem health,” Fasciano said. “When you get better habitat, you get better wildlife, better wildlife numbers. And that benefits hunters across the board.” 

Phillips said it is important for people to remember wildfire season is just a season. 

“The roads tend to reopen relatively fast,” he said, “and the entire hunting season is rarely an area closed for all hunting throughout its entirety.”

During an interview with KTVB Wednesday, Gov. Brad Little said he understands the frustrations. 

“My friends and myself that hunt in the fall, they say we’re going to close this area off or control burn … all my hunting friends and family don’t like that, but that is necessary in some areas,” he said. 

A Boise National Forest manager told KTVB hopefully, wildfires season winds down in the next month. However, the fires can linger well into the fall and even winter. 

Phillips said it is essential for hunters to pay attention when hunting in burned areas since there are likely hazards like downed trees and roadblocks. 

He recommends people reach out to the local sheriff’s office or forest service if they have any questions about where they want to hunt. Close Ad