In a landmark move that could set a nationwide precedent, Wellness Forever, India’s third‑largest pharmacy and lifestyle retailer, has halted the sale of glue traps after an impassioned appeal from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India). The decision, announced Wednesday in Mumbai, follows a sweeping ban on these cruelty‑to‑animals devices that has already taken effect in 32 states and union territories.
Background
Glue traps, also known as adhesive traps, are simple yet alarming devices that lure small mammals, birds, and other wildlife into an irreversible embrace. Once an animal becomes stuck, it can struggle for hours or even days—often suffocating, dehydrating or succumbing to secondary infections . PETA India’s campaign has highlighted not only the animal cruelty but also the public health risks, including the transmission of hantavirus, salmonella and leptospirosis from diseased rodents that remain on the sticky boards.
Last year, a coalition of animal‑welfare NGOs lobbied state governments to enact “glue trap ban” legislation. The Indian government’s response was swift: an order, supported by the Supreme Court’s directives on humane pest control, prohibited the manufacture, sale and use of glue traps across 32 jurisdictions. The ban has been reinforced by several e‑commerce giants – Amazon India, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Meesho and JioMart – who have removed listings after receiving pushback from animal‑rights activists.
With Wellness Forever’s stores now covering 400‑plus locations and a significant online presence, the company’s decision signals a watershed moment in India’s retail and animal‑welfare landscape.
Key Developments
On Wednesday, Wellness Forever’s spokesperson, Manish Gupta, confirmed that all glue traps will be withdrawn from the shelves of its 400 + stores and discontinued on its website. The company stated that its inventory has been moved to a “responsible disposal hub.”
Highlights:
- Immediate cessation – Glue traps are no longer available for purchase at any Wellness Forever outlet.
- Responsible **disposal** – Staggered removal of existing stock with a scheduled transfer to the disposal hub to ensure no animals are left trapped.
- Full compliance with the **glue trap ban** across the 32 states and union territories that have enacted the prohibition.
- Co‑ordination with local animal‑shelters and wildlife authorities for any found trapped animals.
The choice follows an earlier letter from PETA India’s Corporate Affairs Liaison, Umang Sharma, expressing gratitude that the retailer “protects wildlife and other small animals from these vile devices.” The appeal also urged other retailers to follow suit, citing the need for a unified national approach to humane pest management.
Impact Analysis
For consumers, the discontinuation of glue traps is a clear win for animal welfare. However, the ripple effects touch several sectors—including student life, which often intersects with these issues in dormitory settings, campus housing, and small eateries.
1. **Student housing** – Most student accommodations (hostels, rented rooms and shared apartments) rely on pest control solutions. Glue traps were once a low‑cost option for quick rodent elimination. With the ban, students will need to shift to more humane alternatives such as live‑capture traps, electronic deterrents or preventive measures like sealing openings and reducing food residues.
2. **Public health** – Glue traps’ prolonged entrapment of rodents can propagate disease. Students studying public health, veterinary science and related disciplines will find greater relevance in the ban’s public‑health narrative, as it aligns with research on zoonotic disease control.
3. **Retail sector outlook** – Wellness Forever’s shift may prompt other mid‑tier chains (e.g., Big Bazaar, Big Bazar, and local pharmacies) to review their product assortments. A larger, healthier supply chain may emerge, altering the competitive landscape for stores that heavily depend on pest‑control segments.
4. **Legal compliance** – While the ban covers only 32 states, the trend is heading toward national implementation. International students and foreign‑owned businesses operating on a campus marketplace may need to anticipate regulatory changes in the coming months and adjust their procurement policies accordingly.
Expert Insights & Tips
Dr. Renu Sharma, a wildlife veterinarian and former advisor to the Ministry of Environment, shared practical guidance for the student community.
“If you encounter a glue trap or suspect one is being used in shared housing, do not touch it. Instead, contact campus security or a local animal rescue organization. They can safely remove the trap and release the animal, if possible.”
Other actionable steps:
- Seal food storage areas and keep waste bins capped.
- Inspect window and door frames for gaps; use weatherstripping to block entry points.
- Replace glue traps with humane live‑capture devices that allow for safe release.
- Educate roommates and staff about the “glue trap ban” and encourage reporting of any complacent practices.
- Maintain a record of pest‑control methods used in your residence for future audits or inspections.
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Looking Ahead
The Wellness Forever decision is expected to accelerate the adoption of humane pest control across India’s retail and hospitality sectors. Three main trajectories emerge:
- Policy consolidation: The government may issue a central ordinance to extend the glue trap ban nationwide, streamlining compliance for businesses and consumer groups.
- Market innovation: Manufacturers will lose a profitable product line, potentially reallocating resources to develop eco‑friendly traps or integrated pest management solutions that align with stewardship principles.
- Educational outreach: Universities and student unions could launch campaigns on sustainable pest control, using the ban as a teaching point in biology, environmental science and commerce curricula.
Students who engage with these developments—whether through academic projects or campus initiatives—stand to gain deeper insights into socio‑environmental policy, corporate responsibility, and global best practices in animal welfare.
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