Glueboard traps prohibited from 2015

Glueboard traps prohibited from 2015

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is asking members of the public to be on the lookout for any glueboard rodent traps being used or sold next year.

From 1 January 2015, the sale and use of glueboard traps which are sticky boards used to monitor and capture rodents is prohibited under the Animal Welfare (Glueboard Traps) Order 2009.

MPIs Director Animal and Animal Products, Matthew Stone, says that while MPI supports the need for access to effective pest control tools, this prohibition sends a clear message that glueboard traps are no longer acceptable from an animal welfare perspective.

There are welfare concerns with glueboard traps over the pain and distress they cause captured rodents including the length of time the rodents may be left on the traps and the potential for inhumane disposal, he says.

Attitudes about animal welfare continually evolve, and its important that we keep pace with changes in our society, as well as scientific knowledge, good practice and available technology.

Ministerial approval can be granted for glueboard traps to be used in some cases where there is strong public interest in effective rodent management and no viable alternative, such as in food processing premises and pest-free islands.

Effective pest management is essential for New Zealands food safety, conservation, primary production and biosecurity, however animal welfare has to be taken into account, says Mr Stone.

Pest control operators must make every reasonable effort to find humane alternatives.

Mr Stone says the Ministry is focused on ensuring pest control operators are aware of the new regulations, however the public need to be vigilant and report any retailers breaching the rules. The public have not been able to use glueboard traps for the last five years.

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Glueboard traps prohibited from 2015