Straits Times
STForum Online
Feb 27, 2009
Yes, ban glue traps, says SPCA
I REFER to Wednesday's online letter, 'Glue traps are cruel', and would like to thank Ms Jeslyn Long for her concerns.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) wrote in to the authorities last week following the article, '66 rats killed in blitz at Skate Park' in The Sunday Times (Feb 15) to express its stand - that glue trapping is cruel. The SPCA also asked how the rats were disposed of, as this is also a cause for concern.
Unfortunately, the employment of glue traps to catch rats is an accepted practice in Singapore. The SPCA would like to see them banned.
In Australia, rat traps have been banned since 2006. The ban was enacted via the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act on the grounds of cruelty to the trapped animal, be it rat or other species.
It is important for sources of food that attract rats to be better secured, so the rat population is kept at bay.
Deirdre Moss (Ms)
Executive Officer
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals