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An Irish wildlife organization has issued a warning after several wild birds were found caught and harmed by glue-type traps designed to capture rodents. These sticky traps have ensnared species including robins and starlings, raising serious animal welfare concerns. While such traps are banned in the Republic of Ireland, they remain legal and in use in Northern Ireland.
In one reported incident, starlings were discovered firmly stuck to glue boards, immobilized by the adhesive, while a robin suffered with its wing trapped, rendering it unable to fly as it dragged the sticky device around. Julie Cronin, who runs Wildlife Rescue Cork and works with a team rehabilitating injured birds, described the robin’s ordeal: “They’re so feisty, robins, so he wasn’t giving up without a fight.” She explained the delicate nature of treating birds caught in these traps, noting that some feathers had to be lost to free the robin without breaking the fragile wing bones, since the bird’s ability to fly depends on these lightweight structures.
The starlings had also become trapped after entering vents where the glue boards had been placed. They were described as “nearly cemented into” the traps, fully adhered to the sticky surface. After being found and treated with oil to release them, they sustained damage to their feathers which will require time to recover. Julie Cronin stressed the need for greater public awareness about the use of such traps, emphasizing that they are “not humane for any animal to die in” and highlighting the existence of more compassionate alternatives for rodent control. Although banned in the Republic of Ireland and some parts of the UK, these glue traps continue to be widely available on the market.
Legally, glue traps are prohibited in the Republic of Ireland except when set by licensed pest controllers. Northern Ireland, however, lacks restrictions on their sale or usage. Sam Bayley, a conservation ranger with the Republic’s National Parks & Wildlife Service, pointed out the unintended harm these traps cause, saying: “The animal still suffers if caught in this trap and is suffering needlessly and
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