Here we go again. Another lawmaker, who seemingly has no other important business to attend to, has introduced a piece of legislation that will needlessly criminalize many Americans. But hey, at least mice and rats will be a bit safer.
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) recently introduced the “Glue Trap Prohibition Act of 2024,” which is intended to “prohibit the sale and use of glue traps for the trapping of rodents.”
The law would essentially make it a crime for anyone to sell or use glue traps to catch rodents.
These traps used by homeowners, food processors, and pest management companies to control rodent populations work by ensnaring rodents or other small animals as they cross the device by having their feet and bodies stick to the adhesive. Unable to free themselves, especially as more parts of their bodies become stuck to the trap, the victims typically die from starvation, dehydration, or suffocation after several days. The process is extremely cruel and painful and it subjects animals, whether the intended target or not, to a slow and inhumane death.
The proposed legislation notes that the traps “may also trap or maim non-target wildlife including protected species and household pets who may subsequently require veterinary assistance and examination” and explains that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “has cautioned against the use of glue traps as trapped animals produce urine and feces that may harmfully affect human health.”
Those who violate the policy could face some serious fines. Commercial violators would have to cough up $5,000 per offense while individuals would be forced to pay $1,000. It could also result in jail time of up to one year for commercial offenders and 30 days for private individuals.
Imagine being thrown in a cage for a month so the government can protect rats.
In a world in which the tentacles of government regulation continue creeping into the nooks and crannies of everyday life, the Glue Trap Prohibition Act could be the latest example demonstrating how much the elites wish to control us.
As with most legislation, this proposal is highly problematic for a myriad of reasons.
Let’s start with the proper role of government, which is to protect our rights. Whose rights are being protected by prohibiting Americans from using glue traps to catch rodents? Should the state possess the authority to dictate how Americans choose to handle their pest control?
The bottom line is that people should be allowed to take care of these problems as they see fit – as long as they are not harming other humans or their property in the process. This act would push toward a one-size-fits-all mandate for pest control that will not align with everyone’s circumstances.
There are also the practical implications of the legislation. Rodent infestations are not always just a minor nuisance. They can also pose significant health risks and property damage. This is especially true in densely populated urban areas. If you have spent even five minutes in New York City, you know this to be true. Glue traps can be instrumental in protecting people in their homes. Preventing people from using glue traps would place more people in danger, especially because alternative methods of controlling rodents might not be as effective, accessible, or affordable for everybody.
The most concerning part of this type of legislation is the inevitability that it will criminalize a huge swath of Americans who simply don’t want to deal with mice in their homes. The notion that someone should have their money stolen or be jailed because they did not properly care for rodents who are infesting their homes is beyond the pale. It's blatantly unreasonable to suggest that the state should be allowed to punish people over rats and mice. This is part of the animal rights agenda that values animals over humans. Hopefully, the House won’t bother to pass this bill.
