Glue trap ban comes into force

A comprehensive ban on glue traps comes into force tomorrow.

From 1 July 2026, under the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, it will be a criminal offence to use, supply or possess a glue trap. Offenders face a fine of up to £40,000 or up to 12 months in prison.

Although the ban was passed in 2024, it could not immediately come into force in full. The UK Government's Internal Market Act 2020 requires that goods lawfully sold in one part of the UK can generally be sold in any other part. To close this gap, Scottish Ministers asked the UK Government to introduce a Statutory Instrument to exempt glue traps from those internal market rules. With that exclusion now in place, the Scottish Government can commence the full ban - covering use, possession and sale.

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, this week said: "Glue traps are indiscriminate and cruel. They have no place in a Scotland that takes its responsibilities to wildlife and animal welfare seriously. This ban sends a clear message that we will not tolerate methods that cause unnecessary suffering.

"Now that the legal barriers put in place by the UK Government’s Internal Market Act which delayed this ban have been resolved, we can move forward with confidence, knowing we have the tools to enforce it fully."