Inhumane mouse traps—such as glue traps and poison-based devices—remain the primary methods of pest control across Europe. They are widely sold and used, often with no clear national restrictions. These traps are cruel, outdated, and indiscriminate, causing extreme suffering not only to rodents but also to other animals, including cats.

Glue traps, one of the most commonly used devices, leave animals trapped and suffering for days, causing panic, exhaustion, injuries, and often a slow, agonizing death. Welfare organizations have documented countless cases of cats becoming injured or dying from starvation or glue-related injuries.

Italy’s situation highlights the problem: fragmented national rules are clearly not enough. Despite the availability of humane alternatives—such as live-capture traps, improved hygiene, and deterrents—tragic cases of cats being left injured or dying because of glue traps continue to be reported every day. This is a profound failure of animal welfare—and the European Parliament has the power to change it.

Several countries and regions have already restricted or banned lethal traps, proving that safe alternatives are both practical and effective. Compassionate and modern solutions include live-capture traps that allow animals to be released unharmed, integrated pest management focused on prevention, sealing entry points, improving hygiene, and using deterrents.

As an Italian writer and dedicated defender of animals, I, Viola Di Grado, urge the European Parliament to:

• Ban all lethal and inhumane mouse-trapping methods, including glue traps and poisons, across the EU.
• Allow only humane, non-lethal trapping methods that meet high animal welfare standards.
• Harmonise animal welfare laws across all member states to prevent loopholes and unnecessary suffering.

We must end the silent, needless suffering caused by outdated pest control methods.

Please sign this petition and help protect animals from cruelty. Together, we can make pest control safe, modern, and humane.