February 29, 2024 - WASHINGTON – Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) has introduced the Glue Trap Prohibition Act, a bill to place a national ban on the possession and use of glue traps to catch rodents. Glue traps – boards coated with adhesive used to catch and kill pests – are among the cruelest ways to eliminate rodents. In their attempts to escape the glue, animals may tear off their skin, and some may even gnaw off their own limbs. Animals that do not escape die of blood loss, suffocation, or dehydration. Glue traps also pose a public health risk. The CDC urges Americans not to use glue traps, as ensnared rodents can spread disease. Congressman Lieu's legislation was inspired by Democrats for the Protection of Animals' successful push to ban glue traps in West Hollywood.

The traps are already banned in England, Iceland, Ireland, and New Zealand, as well as in over 100 airports across the country. Last year, West Hollywood became the first city in the country to ban glue traps. Congressman Adam Schiff is an original cosponsor of this bill.

“Glue traps are ruthless, inhumane, and can be dangerous to the health of humans and their pets,” said Rep. Lieu. “There are numerous other ways to trap small animals that don’t prolong their suffering. As a proud member of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m pleased to introduce this bill to stop the needless suffering of these animals.”

The Glue Trap Prohibition Act is endorsed by PETA, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, and the Humane Society of the United States. 

“PETA thanks Rep. Ted Lieu for his compassion and leadership in introducing the Glue Trap Prohibition Act of 2024,” said PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “This crucial legislation can help protect vulnerable species of wildlife and save tens of thousands of small animals each year from being injured, permanently disabled, and killed by dehydration, injury or starvation in these primitive, cruel traps.”

“Glue traps are cruel, inhumane, and outdated methods of removing rodents from homes and businesses,” said Sara Amundson, president of Humane Society Legislative Fund. “Wildlife and even our household pets can be inadvertently harmed by these devices and all animals face slow, agonizing deaths in these traps. Representative Lieu’s Glue Trap Prohibition Act will ultimately make a more humane world by placing the U.S. alongside the U.K., New Zealand and others who have banned the use of these traps.”

"Glue traps are cruel and indiscriminate, and probably responsible for more suffering than any other wildlife control product on the market," said Dr. James Jensvold, president of Democrats for the Protection of Animals. "Any animal, be it the intended target or a beloved family pet, can be caught in the trap and suffer a slow death by starvation or suffocation. Humane alternatives exist. It's time that the United States join the growing number of countries that have prohibited these outdated and unethical devices."

The Glue Trap Prohibition Act is also endorsed by Animal Defenders International, In Defense of Animals, Main Street Vegan Academy, Social Compassion In Legislation, Species Unite, Rebellyous Foods, WildCare, Ojai Raptor Center, Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue, Luvin’ Arms Animal Sanctuary, Northern Colorado Wildlife Center, Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Wildlife In Crisis, Georgia Wildlife Network, Grit & Grace Wildlife Rehab, Salem Wildlife Rescue, Wild Care, Inc., Maine Animal Coalition, Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, Carolina Wildlife Sanctuary, Winchester Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Wings Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, City of Paterson, New Jersey Animal Control, Voters for Animal Rights, Humane Long Island, Cottontail Cottage Wildlife Rehab, Out to Pasture Sanctuary, Badger Run Wildlife Rehab, Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc., Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge, The Wildlife Center of Virginia, Protect Our Wildlife Vermont, Animal & Earth Advocates, Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary, Friends of Woodland Park Zoo Elephants, Humane Voters of Washington, Northwest Animal Rights Network, and Pasado’s Safe Haven.

Read the full text of the bill here.
Source: Congressman Ted W. Lieu