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Gull saved from illegal glue trap
Glue traps were banned in Scotland in March.
The Scottish SPCA rescued the bird after it became stuck to the trap.

A gull stuck in an illegal glue trap has had to be rescued by the Scottish SPCA.

The bird was found attached to the glue trap, which had been set for rats, at a property in Aberdeen on Saturday, 10 August.

The trap had become stuck to the underneath of the bird’s wing. An animal rescue officer from the charity took him to a Scottish SPCA centre where it took several warm soapy washes to successfully remove the trap.

Glue traps use non-drying adhesive to capture animals such as mice and rats. They were made illegal to purchase and use in Scotland in March as part of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill. The ban includes their use by pest control professionals.

A ban on using glue traps in England came into force on 31 July, but with an exception allowing them to still be used by people with a glue trap licence.

The Scottish SPCA has long opposed the use of glue traps and welcomed the ban in Scotland when it was introduced.

The animal rescue officer who attended the scene said: “The poor gull was so stressed after his ordeal, he was transferred to our wildlife centre for further treatment to remove the glue from his feathers after some well-earned rest.

“If anyone finds a trapped animal in distress or spots a trap or snare they suspect is illegal, please don’t hesitate to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.