Irish prohibition on glue traps

According to the Wildlife (Amendment) Act of 2000., the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands has authority to define allowable traps. Glue traps were not among those subsequently allowed according to the WILDLIFE ACT 1976 (APPROVED TRAPS, SNARES AND NETS) REGULATIONS 2003.

See more below re: a subsequent press release regarding enforcement

Roche acts against illegal glue traps

03/04/06

Mr Dick Roche, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, today (3 April) expressed his concern at the availability in Ireland of glue traps and tubes of glue normally sold for the trapping of birds and rodents. Glue traps, birdlime, or any substance of a like nature, are prohibited in Ireland.

“I believe that many retailers and members of the public may be unaware that to sell or to possess an unauthorised trap is an offence under Irish law”, said the Minister. “My Department is actively pursuing the sale of these illegal traps and glues. Prosecutions have been and will be taken where breaches of the law are detected”, he added.

Under the Wildlife Acts the use of certain traps, snares, other hunting devices, birdlime, poison etc, is prohibited except where authorised by the Minister in exceptional circumstances. No such authorisations have been granted by the Minister. It is therefore an offence to import, possess, sell or offer for sale such unauthorised traps.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has, over the last 18 months, been involved in two court cases involving the unlawful use of glue traps. Recently a substantial quantity of unapproved glue was seized at Dublin Port and a prosecution is being prepared.  Furthermore, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has been in contact with a major importer and distributor of these traps, who has agreed to recall the product.

Media queries:
Press and Information Office
Tel: (01) 888 2638  (direct)
(01) 888 2000
E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web site: www.environ.ie