An animal welfare charity is urging members of the public to keep an eye out for illegal snares after a seagull got stuck in a glue trap.

The stricken bird was discovered on the glue board – branded as a “rat terminator” – at a property in Aberdeen on 10 August.

Earlier this year, the Scottish parliament passed the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill – making it illegal to buy or possess the traps.

The use of glue traps is also banned in England and Wales, but the sale is not.

The Scottish SPCA has long been opposed to the use of glue traps, which are trays coated with a sticky adhesive typically used to ensnare rodents and animals classed as vermin.

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An animal rescue officer who attended to the gull said the glue stuck to the underneath of the bird’s wing.

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The officer added: “I took the gull to one of our centres and he was given several warm soapy washes in attempts to remove the trap which was successful.

“The poor gull was so stressed after his ordeal, he was transferred to our wildlife centre for further treatment to remove the glue from his feathers after some well-earned rest.

“If anyone finds a trapped animal in distress or spots a trap or snare they suspect is illegal, please don’t hesitate to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

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