New York City has long been a leader in setting standards that reflect our values. Now we have an opportunity to lead again.

A new bill before the New York City Council would ban the sale of glue traps, adhesive boards used to catch mice and rats that often result in prolonged suffering. Animals caught on these traps can remain stuck for hours or days, injuring themselves in attempts to escape and ultimately dying from dehydration, starvation, or suffocation.

This is not just an animal welfare issue. It is a public health issue.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, glue traps can increase human exposure to rodent-borne diseases because trapped rodents may urinate when stressed. Glue traps can also harm pets, birds, and other unintended animals. Despite this, they remain widely available and heavily marketed as an easy solution to rodent problems.

There are safer, more effective alternatives.

Prevention strategies such as sealing entry points, improving waste management, and using humane traps are widely recommended by pest management experts. Glue traps are not only cruel but often ineffective at addressing the root causes of infestations.

Cities and retailers across the country are already moving away from glue traps. New York City should join them and set a clear standard that unnecessary cruelty and preventable health risks have no place here.

By passing this legislation, the City Council would take a meaningful step toward modern, humane pest control practices. It would also send a powerful message that New York values both public health and compassion.

We call on the New York City Council to pass the proposed glue trap ban and on the Mayor to sign it into law. We also urge state lawmakers to consider similar protections statewide.

New York can lead the way in responsible pest control that protects people, pets, and wildlife.

Sign this petition to support humane, effective rodent control and help make New York a model for compassionate policy.