Ojai to ban glue traps that can cause 'cruel' animal deaths

Wes Woods II, Ventura County Star
·2 min read
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Ojai is among the first cities in the nation to ban glue traps used to catch rodents. Critics say the devices are inhumane and also catch birds and other animals.
Ojai is among the first cities in the nation to ban glue traps used to catch rodents. Critics say the devices are inhumane and also catch birds and other animals.

Ojai is among the first cities in the country to ban the sale and use of glue traps, which are used to ensnare rodents but can also catch other animals, causing inhumane and unintended deaths, critics say.

The Ojai City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to forbid the devices.

The traps use adhesive on a base of cardboard, wood or plastic that ensnares the feet or other body parts of rats, mice and other creatures that cross the surface, a staff report said. Over time, the animal will typically die of suffocation, starvation or dehydration.

"I've heard about hummingbirds getting stuck," said Councilmember Suza Francina. "It is so unbelievably cruel and barbaric that there's just no reason to continue selling them."

Glue traps are commonly used by homeowners, pest management companies and other industries to control rodent populations, the report said.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, worked with the city to get the ban approved.

Representatives of the organization believe West Hollywood is the only other U.S. city that has banned glue traps. The group has been searching for cities that may be interested in passing similar rules, said Jacob Shaw, special projects manager for PETA, on Thursday.

Shaw said he thought Ojai might be willing to take action on glue traps because the council in September adopted an ordinance called the Right to Bodily Liberty for Elephants.

More than 100 species including birds, bats, chipmunks, turtles, rabbits and flying squirrels have been caught in the traps and transported to animal hospitals in need of life-saving care, Shaw said. A better long-term solution for controlling rodents is to seal holes and cracks in exterior walls, keep trash in containers and trim nearby shrubbery, he said.

Brian Popovich, management analyst for Ojai, said other alternatives for traps include snap or electric traps or any kind of catch-and-release variety.

Councilmember Andrew Whitman said during Tuesday's meeting he wasn't initially enthusiastic about the ban and thought it was a potential overreach. He changed his mind after learning more.

“I'm especially disturbed by the number of birds that are killed by glue traps, so it did kind of flip me around on this issue,” Whitman said.

The ordinance is expected to go into effect in mid-April. The city will reach out to businesses and inform the public through social media and the city’s website.

Popovich said the city hasn't heard much feedback on the issue other than comments at the council meeting, which were in support of the ban.

Ojai True Value Hardware and Ojai Lumber Co. sell glue traps, but representatives from the two stores declined to comment.

Violators of Ojai's glue trap ban could be fined $50. A second violation would be $100 and a third violation in the same year would be $250.

Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ojai to ban glue traps that can cause 'cruel' animal deaths