Animal rights group praises 'gas chamber' mouse trap

Published on 24/04/2006 01:45

A MOUSE trap which gases creatures with carbon dioxide has been praised by an animal rights group.

The Rentokil device reduces animal suffering by killing them without prolonged distress, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta).

It has earned one of the group's "proggy" awards which recognise animal-friendly achievements in commerce and culture.

Called the Radar, the humane rodent trap seals automatically when an animal steps inside it and on to a pressure pad.

Carbon dioxide is then released into the sealed chamber, rendering the rodent unconscious within ten seconds. It then dies "quickly and humanely" in under a minute, according to Rentokil.

The device features "pestconnect" technology which sends an email to the owner once a rodent has been caught.

It also triggers a text message to a Rentokil technician with the precise location of the building affected.