Ojai, a picturesque city nestled in a valley in Ventura County, California, has made history by becoming the second city in the United States to ban the use of rodent glue traps. The decision came after a unanimous vote by the Ojai City Council, with Mayor Betsy Stix leading the charge to end the use of these cruel devices.

The ban comes after a presentation by Jakob Shaw, special projects manager for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, who highlighted the gruesome consequences of using glue traps. Animals trapped in these devices suffer slow and painful deaths from starvation, dehydration, asphyxiation, and blood loss. Some even resort to chewing off their own limbs in a desperate attempt to escape. The suffering caused by these traps is simply unbearable, and Mayor Stix echoed the sentiment that the cruelty needs to stop.

According to Shaw, glue traps not only ensnare rodents but also trap a variety of other wildlife, including birds, bats, chipmunks, lizards, opossums, rabbits, and even flying squirrels. The ban on glue traps is a step towards protecting all the amazing animals that call Ojai home.

Brian Popovich, management analyst for the city manager’s office, emphasized the city’s commitment to animal welfare. Ojai has a history of supporting initiatives that promote the well-being of animals, including a recent ordinance declaring that elephants have the right to liberty. The ban on glue traps is another step in the right direction towards creating a more compassionate community.

In addition to the ethical concerns surrounding glue traps, Popovich also pointed to the health risks associated with these devices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned against using glue traps, as they can increase the risk of disease transmission. More humane alternatives, such as snap traps, live traps, and electric traps, are available to effectively control rodent populations without causing unnecessary suffering.

Shaw emphasized that glue traps are responsible for more suffering than any other wildlife control product on the market. These indiscriminate killing devices not only harm rodents but also pose a threat to a wide range of wildlife species. The ban on glue traps is a crucial step towards protecting the diverse ecosystems that exist in and around Ojai.

The decision to ban glue traps in Ojai was met with overwhelming support from the community, with residents voicing their approval during the city council meeting. While some questioned whether banning glue traps would lead to worse alternatives, the consensus was clear: the cruelty inflicted by these devices is unacceptable, and more humane solutions must be sought.

The Ojai ban on glue traps will take effect within 30 days, marking a significant victory for animal welfare in the city. By taking a stand against the use of these inhumane devices, Ojai has set an example for other cities to follow in the fight against animal cruelty.