This week a dying coyote pup in terrible condition at the at the Animal Rescue Team in Santa Ynez, Calif., gave another heartbreaking face to the problems with using poison to deal with "pests."
While rodenticide poisons are commonly used to control pests in growing operations, their use has continued to raise concerns about their inhumane nature and the deadly effects they have in cases of secondary poisoning.
The poisons used, typically anti-coagulant rodenticides (ARs), lead to a horrific death for their victims who eventually die of internal bleeding. Second generation poisons are extremely toxic and can kill with one dose, but may take up to a week before signs start showing. Before then, victims are more vulnerable to dying of other injuries that may have been minor, or predation.
Unfortunately, coyotes aren't the only species who continue to become victims of ARs. They've been known to kill pets and other wild animals, including endangered species, such as the San Joaquin kit fox, Northern spotted owl and Bald eagles. Most recently, researchers also found rare populations of fishers were being killed by poisons in Sierra Nevada.
However, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation is considering a proposal that would restrict the use of rodenticides to licensed professionals to protect wildlife, people and pets.
Please sign the petition urging the California to restrict the use of these deadly poisons.
As an animal lover and wildlife supporter I was pleased to learn that the California Department of Pesticide Regulation is considering a proposal that would restrict the use of rodenticides to protect wildlife, people and pets.
Not only are these poisons inhumane, but they continue to pose a threat to non-target animals and have continued to kill hundreds of animals of different species who suffer as unintended victims, including endangered species.
The risks and consequences of leaving these deadly poisons widely available to the public are far greater than any benefit they could possibly provide.
I sincerely hope you take a stand for wildlife by adopting Regulation 13-002 to restrict pesticide sales and limit their use to licensed professionals.
