MANILA, Philippines – Keeping one’s surroundings clean and storing food properly are humane ways of getting rid of rats, according to animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta).

In the middle of preparations for Thursday’s celebration of the Chinese New Year, Peta activists staged an awareness campaign Tuesday on Ongpin Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila, and urged Filipinos to shun the use of glue traps to get rid of rats.

“This is to raise awareness and correct bad impressions about rats,” said Ashley Fruno, Peta’s campaign officer. A Peta member wore a rat costume and held a sign that read, “Make it a year for rats, don’t buy glue traps.”

In the Chinese calendar, 2008 is the Year of the Rat.

“We’re asking people to honor the Year of the Rat by leaving these cruel devices on the store shelves,” Peta said.

Glue traps consist of board pieces coated with a sticky adhesive designed to ensnare small animals.