The Ventura City Council has voted to ban the sale and use of glue traps, citing animal welfare concerns raised by advocacy groups, wildlife rehabilitators, and community members. The decision makes Ventura the fourth city in the United States—and the largest – to enact such a ban.
The measure was introduced by City Council Member Liz Campos and Deputy Mayor Doug Halter, with support from animal advocacy organization PETA.
During the meeting, speakers described the impacts of glue traps on animals, including birds, rodents, and pets, which can become stuck and unable to escape. Advocates argued that the devices can lead to prolonged suffering and are not an effective long-term solution for pest control, as they do not address underlying causes such as access to food and shelter.
“Banning glue traps is an issue of basic morality,” said Campos. “It’s a recognition that all life is valuable and that we have an obligation to protect animals from unnecessary suffering.”
Deputy Mayor Halter added, “This is one way we can demonstrate compassion and encourage more humane approaches to dealing with unwanted pests.”
PETA President Tracy Reiman praised the council’s decision, calling it “a big win for small animals,” and encouraged residents to use humane prevention methods such as sealing entry points and removing food sources.
Supporters of the ban also noted that similar policies have been adopted in other California cities, including Ojai, Culver City, and West Hollywood, as well as in several countries around the world.
The ordinance reflects a growing trend toward more humane pest control practices and aligns with broader efforts to reduce harm to wildlife and domestic animals.
