Consumer Advisory on Miracle-Gro Mouse Mischief

Countless consumers, knowing little to nothing about how to deal humanely with mice, buy the Ortho Home Defense MAX Kill & Contain Mouse Trap because it promises a quick, out-of-sight death, with “no mess.” But not so fast! PETA is hearing that numerous people have been horrified to discover squeaking mice inside the traps, alive and conscious but bloody and writhing from their injuries.

After Scotts Miracle-Gro Company refused to respond to our letter detailing our concerns with these cruel devices, PETA filed a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission seeking action against the company for its misleading claims—and we’ve asked Scotts Miracle-Gro chair and CEO James Hagedorn to pull the traps from store shelves, as we believe that the company is violating the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

“Scotts’ deceptive advertising is fooling people into thinking that they are buying a humane mousetrap when what they are actually getting is a miniature torture chamber,” says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. Indeed, mice who become caught in these traps die slowly from stress-induced struggling, dehydration, heat prostration, or starvation.

So until further notice, put Scotts Miracle-Gro with that other company that Lowesballs both truth in advertising and compassion for mice. We promise to keep you updated on developments regarding this case—and we ask that you promise to always be kind to mice by using this humane, effective trap.

Written by Karin Bennett