Cat put down after becoming stuck to four glue traps

RSPCA appeals to householders not to use ‘cruel, horrendous and completely unnecessary’ devices even though they are legal

The black-and-white cat’s death has prompted the RSPCA to appeal to people to report glue traps on sale to them (RSPCA)

The RSPCA has urged people to stop using glue traps to catch mice and rats after a cat became so badly stuck that it had to be put down.

The cat, named Miles by the charity’s staff, had four glue traps attached to his body when he was found with “horrific” injuries and in pain.

Rescuers said it was the worst glue trap incident they had ever dealt with.

The black and white cat, discovered in an alleyway in north London last month, had a large infected wound on his leg, his tail was damaged and his hind legs were stuck together.

The traps, stuck to the animal’s legs and tummy, had also pulled off fur and badly damaged the abdomen, the RSPCA said.

It is thought Miles also ingested glue while trying to struggle free.

Glue traps, which are sheets coated in ultra-strong adhesive, are used to trap mice and rats. But birds also die after being caught.

The traps are legal in the UK, although animal lovers have long lobbied the government for them to be outlawed, as they are in the Irish Republic.

A petition against them to the government that has more than 63,000 signatures says animals trapped on the devices slowly starve to death as they struggle against the adhesive.  

Animals may also become more submerged in the glue.

RSPCA inspector Nicole Broster said: “This poor cat was in an extreme amount of pain from his horrific injuries and he was very scared and frightened.

“This is the worst glue trap incident I have ever seen and dealt with.”

The cat was taken to the RSPCA’s Harmsworth Hospital in London to be treated but had to be euthanised when his condition deteriorated significantly.

Ms Broster condemned glue traps as “cruel, horrendous and completely unnecessary”, saying they cause awful suffering.

“Other animals and non-target species also become victims - in this case poor Miles,” she said.

She urged anyone who knew who laid the glue trap in north London to contact the charity, which encourages people to deal humanely with unwanted wildlife. 

The RSPCA’s scientific officer Evie Button said: “We're opposed to the manufacture, sale and use of all glue traps because they cause unacceptable suffering and are totally indiscriminate in what they catch, ensnaring wild animals like birds and even pets.

“Even the way they're designed to catch animals - by sticking their limbs to the board as they cross it - inflicts pain and distress.”

The charity is asking people to contact them if they see glue traps on sale so they can ask the retailer to withdraw them.

If an animal unnecessarily suffers when a glue trap is not used properly, an offence may have been committed.