Following an appeal from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, a significant move has been made to protect animals in the union territory of Lakshadweep. A circular has been issued to animal husbandry units across the islands, instructing them to adhere to Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) advisories that prohibit the use of glue traps.
The circular cites The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act of 1960, which strictly prohibits causing unnecessary pain and suffering to animals. In light of this, the notification urges the adoption of humane methods for rodent control.
It also emphasizes that any individual found using glue traps could face fines and/or imprisonment, in accordance with the AWBI’s guidelines. Competent authorities have been directed to raise public awareness about the availability of humane alternatives.
This initiative aligns with similar actions taken in the past by several other Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal, all of which have issued circulars against the use of glue traps.
PETA India lauds the efforts made by the union territory of Lakshadweep to protect animals, no matter their size, and sees it as an exemplary step for the entire country.
According to PETA India, the most effective way to control rodent populations is by making areas unattractive or inaccessible to them. This can be achieved by eliminating food sources through proper cleaning, using chew-proof containers to store food, securing trash cans, and deterring rodents with the smell of ammonia-soaked cotton balls or rags. For humane removal of rodents, cage traps can be utilized, ensuring that the captured animals are released in environments where they can find sufficient food, water, and shelter to survive.
