RATS are becoming an increasingly common sight in Plymouth.

Understandably many people don't want rats anywhere near their homes. But it appears some Plymouth residents are using not the most humane methods to get rid of them. Glue traps, usually flat trays coated with adhesive, trap animals who are then subject to starvation and dehydration if not found. Poison, another alternative, affects rats' nervous systems and causes convulsions before the animals finally succumb to the effects of the toxin.

So what's the answer? Humane rodent traps allow animals to be captured without harm, and they can then be released into non-populated areas. No animal deserves to die a slow, stressful death.

WILL WRIGHT

Four Paws UK