Community Notice – Illegal Use of Glue Traps

Published on 02 July 2026

Council has received notification from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) regarding reports of the use of an illegal substance to control pest birds within the Hindmarsh Shire municipality.

Glue traps are any trap that uses glue, adhesive material, or a similar sticky substance to trap an animal or insect. In Victoria, the sale and use of glue traps for trapping animals is prohibited, including use by commercial pest control operators. Significant penalties apply for the illegal sale or use of these products.

DEECA has advised that the use of glue traps is not only unlawful but can cause significant animal welfare issues. Unfortunately, native wildlife has been affected by the use of the illegal substance, placing additional pressure on wildlife carers and rescue organisations across the region.

Wildlife that becomes trapped may suffer severe stress, injury, dehydration, starvation, or death. Native birds, reptiles, mammals and other non-target species can be unintentionally caught when glue traps are used.

Council reminds residents, landowners and businesses that:

• The use of glue traps to capture animals is illegal in Victoria.
• Native wildlife can be seriously harmed by these devices.
• Significant penalties may apply for the sale or use of prohibited glue traps.
• Alternative, lawful pest management methods should be used.
  
  

For more information about glue traps and Victorian requirements, visit:

• Victorian Department of Health: www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/glue-traps-for-pest-control
• Animal Welfare Victoria: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/pocta-act-1986/humane-vertebrate-pest-control/glue-traps
  
  

Let's work together to protect our native wildlife and support the dedicated wildlife carers who help injured animals throughout our region.

If you are aware of the use or sale of glue traps for animal control, please report it to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Victoria Inspectorate either online via https://rspcavic.org/who-to-call/ or by calling (03) 9224 2222.

For more information or to speak to Council, please contact the Local Laws department on (03) 5391 4444, or email locallaws@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer