The Scottish SPCA has appealed for information after a gull was found caught in a glue trap in the Maryhill/North Kelvinside area of Glasgow last week.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted to the incident by a local resident who found the distressed bird in their garden on Braeside Street on September 23.
Scottish SPCA inspector, Sian Robertson, said: “The gull was covered in superglue, and unfortunately the individual feathers had become stuck together so the bird was unable to spread its wings.
“Every time the gull tried to free itself, it was unable to and became more and more distressed.
“There was also some blood on the gull’s body as the glue was ripping the bird’s feathers out with every movement.
“Sadly, as the injuries were so severe and removing the superglue would have caused the gull even more pain and suffering, the difficult decision was made to put the bird to sleep.
“Glue traps are still legal in the UK but the Scottish SPCA does not support their use as these traps are indiscriminate and will cause unnecessary suffering to any bird or animal caught in them.
“Those setting the traps are obliged to stop unnecessary suffering by checking them regularly but there is no way of monitoring or enforcing this.
“It’s an inhumane method of pest control that has no place in modern society. We would support an outright ban on glue traps.
“If anyone knows who this device might belong to then we would urge them to phone our animal helpline immediately on 03000 999 999. All calls can be treated confidentially.
“Equally, if anyone spots an illegal trap, or a trap or snare they suspect is illegal, please don’t hesitate to contact us.”
The Scottish SPCA website is www.scottishspca.org and its animal helpline can be reached on 03000 999 999.
