People using glue traps could face up to a year in prison from next month as a national ban comes into force.
The Scottish Government has described the pest control method as “indiscriminate and cruel”.
It said the traps do not distinguish between target and non-target animals, and that any creature coming into contact with them could become trapped, which could see other species, such as songbirds, suffering prolonged unintended distress or death.
From July 1, 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.
It comes after the passing of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.
The Scottish Government said the ban was only coming into force two years later due to the UK Government’s Internal Market Act 2020, which requires that goods lawfully sold in one part of the UK generally be available in any other part.
To close this gap, Scottish ministers asked the UK Government to exempt glue traps from internal market rules.
With the exclusion now in place, a ban can go ahead.
Jim Fairlie, minister for agriculture and connectivity, 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.”
The ban applies to vertebrate animals, with invertebrates not being covered by the legislation.
The offences will also apply to anyone who knowingly causes or permits another person to use or supply a glue trap.