Gelson’s Bans Glue Traps

Santa Barbaran Renee Papadopoulos will receive People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) Compassionate Action Award for persuading Southern California grocery store chain Gelson’s to ban the sale of glue traps in all 18 of its locations. Glue traps are strips of cardboard covered with an adhesive intended to capture rodents without the use of poison. In online video depictions, animals caught in these traps seem to endure extreme pain, tearing their skin and limbs in their attempts to break free. Ultimately, many of the creatures end up dying from starvation or dehydration after days of suffering.

A frequenter of Gelson’s Market in Santa Barbara’s Loreto Plaza, Papadopoulos contacted Chris Fromm, the store’s director of groceries and purchasing, requesting that the store stop carrying the product due to its “extremely inhumane” nature. Fromm responded almost immediately, assuring her that the company would not be renewing their stock of glue traps.

Papadopoulos said her love for animals compelled her to purchase Gelson’s remaining 123 glue traps. To assist in her commitment, Fromm sold the traps to her at cost – a total of approximately $100 – and personally delivered them to her so she could see to their disposal.

Gelson’s still sells standard mouse traps, ranging in price from $1.50 to $2.99, compared with the glue traps which were $1.39 per package. Because these snap traps practically guarantee rodents a quick death, Papadopoulos said they are a better alternative.

PETA organizers are currently picketing Lowe’s Store regarding the sale of glue traps.