There are more humane methods to deal with rodents

The Brakpan SPCA is appealing to residents not to purchase glue traps to exterminate rodents and to rather seek alternative, more humane methods.

“Our town has a few issues with rodents or vermin. But what would be considered the best option to get rid of these small critters?” asked Brakpan SPCA manager Tamaryn Lombard.

“Local shops and hardware stores have been stocking different options for the consumer to use to get rid of the critter issue, however, one of the products that have hit the small corner stores is the glue trap.”

According to Lombard, the glue trap is one of the most inhumane traps available to the consumer.

“We understand that residents are frustrated having to deal with what feels like an impossible task of rodents. However, no animal deserves a death like this and especially just because they are vermin,” she said.

“The glue trap has a bad rep all over the world. Some organisations have shown how this trap works to try to get the consumer to be more mindful of what they are doing to these animals.

“In the end, the animal gets stuck in the glue and eventually dies from either starvation or due to ripping its limbs or skin off trying to escape.

“We as the human race need to try to feel that pain, the absolute terror and also the helplessness that an animal goes through when stuck and ultimately eventually dying. Surely we cannot agree to this type of option?”

Lombard told the Herald the SPCA has approached local stores in an effort to take the traps off the shelf and for the stores to rather look at alternative options that are more humane.

“Many stores have refused as they are selling many of these traps. We are pleading with the public to not purchase these traps and to look at alternative options in getting rid of the critters.

“Also keep in mind that it is not just rats and mice that get caught in these traps, but also other small animals like lizards, frogs, birds and in a case in the UK, a cat died after being caught in a glue trap,” she said.

The Brakpan SPCA Facebook page will share other humane alternative methods in catching rodents and by doing so, hopes to persuade residents to be more mindful of all creatures big and small.