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Ventura council bans glue traps after hours of testimony from wildlife rehabilitators and homeowners
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Summary
After extended public comment from wildlife rehabilitators, animal‑welfare advocates, homeowners and pest‑control users, the City Council voted 6–1 to adopt an ordinance banning the sale and use of glue traps in San Buenaventura, citing animal welfare and public‑health guidance; staff will carry out outreach and code enforcement measures.
The San Buenaventura City Council on March 10 adopted an ordinance (new Chapter 8.6) that prohibits the sale and use of glue traps within city limits, after more than an hour of public testimony that split between wildlife rehabilitators and animal‑welfare advocates urging a ban and some homeowners and pest‑control professionals urging retention of the devices as an inexpensive option.
Deputy City Manager Rick Connor presented the staff report outlining staff recommendations, public‑health references and implementation plans. Connor cited guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and other public‑health agencies discouraging glue traps for vertebrates because animals trapped on adhesive boards can suffer prolonged stress, dehydration and death; staff advised council that other California cities (including Ojai and Culver City) have adopted similar prohibitions.
Members of the public spoke in large numbers. Wildlife rescuers and the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network described repeated rescues of birds, reptiles and mammals entangled in glue traps and the heavy staff time and rehabilitation costs those rescues require. “The way that it kills them is no other way to describe it than torture,” said speaker Steve Miller during public comment (speaker 33), echoing several rehabilitators who described animals found alive but severely injured on traps. Representatives from animal‑welfare groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, urged the council to follow international precedents and cited Cambridge‑published welfare research that found glue traps cause significantly higher suffering than other available products.
Homeowners and several pest‑control practitioners told the council glue traps are effective, inexpensive and sometimes the only practical option in small spaces. One homeowner described catching mice in closed indoor spaces and disposing of them, noting snap traps or electric devices were impractical in certain locations. Several councilmembers acknowledged those practical concerns and asked staff about enforcement and impacts on restaurants and pest professionals.
Connor said implementation would begin 30 days after adoption, with initial outreach handled through the city website, social media and retailer and pest‑control outreach. He said enforcement would rely on the city’s code‑enforcement process (complaint‑driven corrective actions with warnings before escalation to fines and civil remedies) and that staff would engage local retailers, pest‑management companies and the city’s own pest contractors to identify acceptable alternatives.
Councilmember Halter and others said the ban aligned with the city’s public‑health and humane values; Councilmember Duran voted no, citing enforcement concerns and possible effects on businesses and food facilities. The final roll call vote was 6–1 in favor; staff will publish guidance on alternatives and begin retailer outreach immediately.
What’s next: The ordinance becomes effective 30 days after adoption; staff will publish an FAQ and alternative‑methods webpage, run retailer outreach and begin complaint‑driven code enforcement as needed. Council asked staff to return with details if there are unintended consequences for regulated food businesses or essential pest‑control operations.
