AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Animal Advisory Commission has voted to recommend that the city of Austin cease its use of glue traps in all city-owned and managed facilities.
The unanimous vote came after the commission expressed concerns about the inhumane nature of the traps, saying that they indiscriminately and inhumanely target wildlife and also present a public health hazard.
Glue traps come in various forms, but typically consist of a tray that is coated in an adhesive that is designed to trap small animals. When an animal comes in contact with the trap, they become stuck to the surface, which often leads to them dying over the course of multiple days from starvation, distress or exhaustion. Some traps also include bait to attract animals toward the tray.
The commission said that glue traps also frequently endanger animals they aren't intended to target, like songbirds. The recommendation urged the city to explore alternatives that offer "more effective and healthier" pest-control solutions.
Snap traps have been considered more effective and humane, as they kill instantly. A number of cities, including New York City, have started using a tool called ContraPest, which targets rats' reproductive systems and makes them infertile.