SSPCAThis article contains images some readers may find distressing.
A bird found stuck in an illegal glue trap has led to a renewed warning from an animal charity.
The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) has expressed concern after a magpie was discovered stuck to a glue trap intended for rodent control in Glasgow.
The incident has prompted a renewed warning from the charity about the “indiscriminate and inhumane” nature of the traps, which are often left exposed and pose significant risk to wildlife.
A local resident found the magpie in the Ashgill Road area within a communal bin store.
Its belly and right wing were adhered to the glue trap, glue was also found to be present on the bird’s face and around the eye.
SSPCAAn animal rescue officer who attended the scene was able to free the magpie from the glue trap using vegetable oil.
Sadly, the magpie had sustained severe injuries and had to be humanely euthanised.
A SSPCA special investigations inspector said: “The Scottish SPCA does not support the use of glue traps.
“These devices are indiscriminate and cause unnecessary suffering to any bird or animal caught in them.
“People setting these traps are obliged to check them regularly to prevent suffering, but there is no practical way of enforcing this.
“Too often, they are place incorrectly, putting non-target species such as birds at risk.
“It’s an outdated and inhumane method of pest control that has no place in a compassionate, modern society.”
In March last year, the Scottish Parliament passed the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill following years of campaigning by the SSPCA.
The legislation places a ban on all forms of snares and glue traps, offering “much-needed” protection for Scotland’s wildlife.
Anyone who discovers a trapped animal in distress or suspects a trap or snare, they suspect is illegal, is asked to contact the charity’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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