MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Inspectors from the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch went out to several shops in the greater Mossel Bay area recently to educate owners about glue traps and fireworks.
Through the operation, SPCA inspectors Thembinkosi Malinga and Mariaan Wentzel had eight shop owners willingly hand over the glue traps in their shop and pledge not to sell glue traps or fireworks in future.
On Wednesday, 18 December, Malinga and Wentzel visited one of the shops in Asla Park and gave the owner, Teddie Tafasa, a pledge certificate to display in his shop, showing his support for the SPCA and pledging not to sell glue traps and fireworks in future.
Glue traps, also known as glue boards or sticky boards, usually consist either of a sheet of cardboard, plastic or wood, coated with a non-drying adhesive. When an animal crosses this board, their feet become stuck and they are unable to free themselves.
The SPCA said in a Facebook post that glue traps are considered cruel because they cause significant suffering to the animals they capture.
"Not only do the animals suffer for hours or even days before they succumb to starvation, dehydration, exhaustion or stress, they often injure themselves by tearing their fur, skin or even limbs in an attempt to free themselves."
The SPCA's post stated that animals caught in glue traps experience extreme fear and distress and are unable to move or escape.
"Some people dispose of live, suffering animals trapped on glue boards, compounding the cruelty."
The post included information about fireworks, stating that in addition to being harmful to the environment, they are also harmful to animals, and in some cases, humans too.
"Air pollution, and water contamination from debris that ends up in lakes and oceans, leftover casings that are not biodegradable - all these things are causing environmental harm," read the post.
"Our animals suffer immense distress and disorientation. The loud explosions frighten them, causing them to flee their homes and habitats."
The post noted that the physical injuries suffered when ingesting or being entangled in firework debris can lead not only to serious injury, but death. The post added that the bright lights and sounds emitted by the fireworks can be disruptive to local ecosystems.
"To minimise harm, many communities opt for quieter, environmentally friendly fireworks or alternative displays like drone light shows.
"We urge the public to refrain from using glue traps and fireworks. By refusing them, you are choosing compassion and also encouraging humane pest control practices. Let's work together to protect all living creatures," read the post.
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