THE UK Government is considering an "imminent consultation" with a view to banning the use of glue traps.

The traps - also known as glue boards or sticky boards - trap animals on a sheet of cardboard, plastic or wood coated with non-drying adhesive, or in a shallow tray of adhesive.

Sadly, in attempting to pull themselves free, animals may rip out patches of fur, break bones or even gnaw through their own limbs to escape.

Back in March, the Adver reported that two robins had died as a result of getting stuck in these traps.

They were found in Lydiard Millicent and rushed to RSPCA Oak & Furrows who shared photographs of the dead birds to warn people of the dangers these sticky boards pose to local wildlife.

David Bowles, the RSPCA's head of public affairs, said: "Sadly, our frontline officers too often see the misery and suffering these glue traps cause animals.

"When animals are stuck, they begin to struggle to free themselves and can cause themselves horrible damage.

"Simply, the use of glue traps is totally unacceptable. They're indiscriminate in what they catch; with wild birds and even household pets often falling victim.

"It's really positive to hear reports that the UK Government is considering a consultation looking at an outright ban on glue traps in England. We'd urge them to outlaw these devices as soon as possible to help protect animals from the very serious welfare issues they too often cause.”

The indiscriminate nature of the devices means - sadly - even domestic pets can fall victim. Last November, a cat was found trapped in an alleyway in Cricklewood Lane in north London, horribly stuck to four glue traps. Tragically, horrific injuries to the cat meant the feline ultimately had to be put to sleep despite emergency treatment.

Evie Button, from the RSPCA's wildlife department, added: "While we hope an outright ban on these devices in England isn't far away, sadly glue traps are still widely available at the moment; and often to people who aren’t aware of the law surrounding animals.

"We'd urge anyone who sees these traps for sale to forward the details onto us, and we'll contact the store highlighting the dangers these devices pose to animal welfare, and calling for them to be removed from stock to prevent problems occurring.”

Glue traps are supposed to be checked regularly by those setting them - but sad incidents like those dealt with by the RSPCA show this often isn't the case. The RSPCA urges the UK Government to ban glue traps as soon as possible, to help other animals avoid the potential pain, suffering and death caused by the devices.

The RSPCA already contacts retailers selling glue traps urging them to remove them from their stock.