Species(ism)
and fear mongering
I disagree with the categorization of some animals in a manner that is biased and even dishonest
By Georges R. Dupras
August 27, 2025
I have always been fascinated by the origins of words. They tell us of how people thought when they first applied them. Over time, some meanings have proven to be oxymorons.
The word “humane,” for example, comes from “human.” History has shown us that humans are far less than “humane”. Our treatment of other people and non-humans clearly demonstrates that we are the most violent and cruel of all beings. We tend to categorize; we put people and others in boxes and label them by race, culture, politics, language and of course, species.
For the sake of clarity and research, science has a category for every species on this planet. Due to ignorance and fear-mongering, the lowest species have always been labelled as rodents or vermin.
Speciesism
Since my experience, such as it is, lies in the field of animal protection, I disagree with the categorization of some animals in a manner that is biased and even dishonest.
For the sake of clarity and research, science has a category for every species on this planet. Due to ignorance and fear-mongering, the lowest species have always been labelled as rodents or vermin.
Vermin, by definition, are pest or nuisance animals that spread disease and destroy crops, livestock and property. Since the term “vermin” is defined in relation to human activities, its definition varies by region. Often, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, pigeons and others are labelled by how we view them. If we don’t see the value in a species, such as mice, rats, or even spiders, they are expendable.
Fear mongering and glue traps
Dead mouse in glue trap – Image: courtesy of PETA – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Fear-mongering is an effective tool in the industry, and the pest control companies use it effectively. Among the cruellest and most widespread devices in use today are bait & glue traps for mice. This is not an instant-kill execution, but one that is long-suffering. Moreover, it does not solve an issue but merely gives the impression of action.
Nature has a long-standing and effective method of controlling species that benefits natural balance – unfortunately, humans do not. We tend to treat the symptom rather than the cause, and by allowing political and corporate expediency to govern our actions, we nurture historical fears.
By exterminating so-called vermin, we are systematically removing our most effective pest and disease controls. One bat colony can consume 46 to 50 tons of mosquitoes in a single year. Frogs, spiders and others also consume unknown numbers. By doing this, the spread of malaria diminishes. Bats, frogs, and spiders are then controlled by predation, thus maintaining the balance in nature. This applies to many other species labelled as nuisance species.
Poisons, on the other hand, including sprays, can injure, even kill, children and family pets. They can also penetrate the water table.
I could go on and include a multitude of other species, but I think I’ve made my point.
Available options
There are options to replace trap and kill practices. The first is education, rather than conditioning, which is frequently based on fear. It is wise to remember that example is the best educator when teaching children compassion.
The second is to support companies that encourage prevention and promote trap-and-release methods. For bats, rats and squirrels, they will first assess the building and recommend sealing infiltration sites. For best results, contact Humane Control Companies and always ask for and follow up on references. The local SPCA or Humane Societies are a good source.
‘Mice can be live-trapped and relocated humanely. Because a mouse is alive when stuck in a glue trap does not make that glue pad a live trap. The mice die a long and horrific death that could, can and must be avoided.’
Realistic expectations
To the best of my knowledge, there are no permanent solutions to mouse infiltration. Hospitals, clinics, schools, hotels, and restaurants all have their share of issues. Alarm companies have tested high-frequency sounds to deter mice and birds. Unfortunately, these attempts also had an unsettling impact on staff, patients and other companion animals.
In the meantime, our best approach is to proceed by example and recognize that many public fears are fueled by conditioning rather than awareness. Mice can be live-trapped and relocated humanely. Because a mouse is alive when stuck in a glue trap does not make that glue pad a live trap. The mice die a long and horrific death that could, can and must be avoided.
By ignoring this option, I fail to see why the term “humane”, meaning with compassion, is in any way symbolic of human conduct.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of its author and do not reflect the opinions of WestmountMag.ca, its publishers or editors.
Feature image: Denitsa Kireva
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A glue trap is the nastiest of the nasty – a truly sadistic contraption that needs to be banned immediately! To see gentle creatures such as mice or birds flailing around in an attempt to escape, while only making matters worse, is the stuff of nightmares! How can we call ourselves humane! Thank you Georges for drawing attention to this widely and very quietly used torture mechanism.
Thank you Georges for this important info regarding Speciesism. Glue traps are horrific torture devices. I always look forward to reading your articles.
Thank you Donna,
It’s always nice to get encouraging feedback.
Georges
Demonization of certain species of animals, labelling them “pests” or “invasive”, are simply ways to scapegoat and persecute. Cruelty to animals is against the law. So why are glue traps legal? Who makes the decisions to allow instruments of torture to be used against innocent beings? These traps need to be banned without delay – both for the sake of the animals caught in them and for the advancement of a moral, compassionate society.
Thank you Sinikka, and keep up the great work you’re doing for the horses.
Shipping live horses to Japan for the horse meat trade undermines our collective
attempts for a kinder more compassionate society.
Count on me
Georges
Glue traps should never have been allowed to be manufactured and marketed. Humane and effective alternatives, such as exclusion methods, should be used instead.
From what I have learned, speciesism has roots in several psychological tendencies. Ingroup bias, human-centricity, and cognitive dissonance (like eating animals while loving pets) are some of them, along with thinking in terms of hierarchies (humans at the top of course) and cultural conditioning.
And, sadly, our great capacity for rationalization allows us to employ these wicked devices with hardly a pang of conscience.
Thank you Georges for bringing this info to the general public. People have to understand the horrors associated with glue traps. It shouldn’t fall on individuals to notify companies to stop carrying them. They should never be manufactured in the first place!