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Council opts for public education on glue traps after hearing animal‑welfare and health concerns
Summary
After hearing written input from animal‑welfare groups and public discussion, the City Council voted unanimously to direct staff to prepare outreach and education on alternatives to glue/sticky traps and on rodent‑control best practices rather than immediately adopting an ordinance banning sales.
PORT HUENEME, Calif. — The City Council on Monday debated whether to ban the sale and use of glue traps (sticky boards) in Port Hueneme after receiving written comments from animal‑welfare organizations and local residents detailing cruelty and health concerns. Instead of asking staff to draft an ordinance, councilmembers unanimously directed staff to prepare community outreach and education materials that explain humane alternatives and rodent‑control best practices.
What the city presented and what residents said Staff defined glue traps as cardboard, plastic or wooden boards coated with adhesive used to capture rodents and insects; presenters at the meeting included written submissions from WildCare and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which described glue traps as indiscriminate and stated they can cause prolonged suffering and increased disease exposure. WildCare said its rehab hospital admitted nearly 50 animals in two years that had been stuck to glue traps. The city noted other jurisdictions in California — notably Ojai and West Hollywood — and several countries have restricted or banned glue traps.
Council action and rationale Councilmember Lopez moved to direct staff to prepare an ordinance banning the sale and use of glue traps within the city; after discussion, the council amended and approved a different motion directing staff to prepare outreach and education materials about glue and sticky traps, humane alternatives (snap and electric traps, exclusion and sanitation), and steps residents can take to reduce rodent attractions (food storage, yard and landscaping practices). The council’s motion also asked staff to estimate the cost of the proposed outreach. The motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters Supporters argued glue traps are inhumane, can injure non‑target wildlife and pets, and can increase disease exposure because trapped animals remain alive and can excrete bodily fluids. Opponents and some councilmembers urged focus on education and practical measures to reduce rodent attractants and raised concerns about enforcement and city costs for ordinance drafting and implementation.
Next steps Staff will return with an outreach plan and cost estimate, including suggested communications channels (city newsletter, website, flyers at local retailers) and templates used by other jurisdictions. Council instructed staff to include education about sanitation and exclusion measures along with information on humane capture and disposal.
