Chandigarh, December 2:
Orders issued by the Director of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Chandigarh, directing compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Following an appeal by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, the Chandigarh administration has issued orders banning the use, sale, manufacture and trade of glue traps for rodent control in the union territory.
An order issued by the Director of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, UT, directs compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which prohibits unnecessary pain and suffering to animals, and cruel glue traps. Demands an enforcement drive to seize
The Municipal Medical Officer of Health and a Deputy Superintendent of Police, who is also the Animal Welfare Crime-cum-Nodal Officer, have been directed to ensure compliance with the order.
Usually made of plastic trays or cardboard sheets covered with a strong glue, these traps are indiscriminate killers that often trap non-target animals. Rats, mice and other animals caught in these traps can suffocate when their noses and mouths become stuck in the glue, while some chew through their legs in a desperate bid for freedom and die of blood loss. . From being stuck on board for days
Later they starve to death. Those found alive may be thrown with the net, or face a more painful death, such as scalding or drowning, the order said.
PETA India Advocacy Officer Farhat Ul Ain said, "PETA India appreciates the Chandigarh administration for taking steps to protect animals, no matter how small, and to urge compliance and enforcement of the law."
PETA suggests alternative methods
According to PETA India, the best ways to control rat populations is to make the area unattractive or inaccessible to them; eliminating food sources by keeping surfaces and floors clean; storing food in chewable containers; Sealing trash cans and using ammonia-soaked cotton balls or rags to repel rats (they hate the smell).
After giving them a few days to leave, seal the entry points using foam sealant, steel wool, hardware cloth or metal flashing. Rats can also be removed using humane cage traps, but must be released where they will have adequate food, water and shelter to help them survive.