Protect Animals from Rodenticide
- by: MSPCA
- recipient: Massachusetts State Legislators
A rodenticide is a pesticide used to kill "pest" animals, such as mice and rats. Rodenticides are problematic not only because they cause immense suffering in target animals, but also because they can sicken and kill non-target wild animals, such as eagles and owls who eat mice or rats who have ingested the poison. Rodenticides can also kill family pets, including cats and dogs, who get into poison.
There are several different types and classes of rodenticides, some of which are slightly less inhumane or less dangerous to non-target animals. However, all rodenticides inflict pain and suffering and none are guaranteed to spare non-target animals should they consume it.
The risk is so great to both wildlife and household pets that wildlife, environmental, and animal protection organizations have urged homeowners to use non-lethal alternatives. There are many tragic examples of Massachusetts wildlife and pets dying from rat poison — either because they consumed it directly or because they ate a prey animal who had ingested it.
The MSPCA's Angell Animal Medical Centers alone see dozens of cases of companion animal poisonings each year. The cases peak during spring and fall, when landlords and homeowners are most affected by the presence of mice or rats.
As an individual, there are many things you can do. Sign and take the pledge to:
There are several different types and classes of rodenticides, some of which are slightly less inhumane or less dangerous to non-target animals. However, all rodenticides inflict pain and suffering and none are guaranteed to spare non-target animals should they consume it.
The risk is so great to both wildlife and household pets that wildlife, environmental, and animal protection organizations have urged homeowners to use non-lethal alternatives. There are many tragic examples of Massachusetts wildlife and pets dying from rat poison — either because they consumed it directly or because they ate a prey animal who had ingested it.
The MSPCA's Angell Animal Medical Centers alone see dozens of cases of companion animal poisonings each year. The cases peak during spring and fall, when landlords and homeowners are most affected by the presence of mice or rats.
As an individual, there are many things you can do. Sign and take the pledge to:
- Choose prevention (such as removing food sources) and exclusion (such as sealing holes where they can access you home) instead of rat poison.
- If you live in a multi-unit complex, encourage the building manager to also choose more humane non-lethal methods to address rodent concerns.
- Educate others in your community about the problems with rodenticides.
- Lobby for S. 644/H. 965: An Act restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment that is being considered in the Massachusetts legislature.
Dear [Legislator],
Please support H. 965, An Act restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment. This bill is sponsored by Representative Jim Hawkins and is currently in the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
This bill will end the registration (and reregistration) of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs), unless deemed necessary for a public health emergency by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture and Resources (MDAR).
Anticoagulant Rodenticides are a particularly toxic group of poisons used as a form of rodent control. When ingested, ARs prevent the clotting of blood, and cause the animal who ingested it to sustain heavy internal bleeding, eventually causing death. The poison remains in the dead or dying rodent's system for days.
ARs impact non-targeted pets and wildlife populations, such as birds of prey, who rely on the poisoned rodents as a food source. As a result, hawks, eagles, owls, foxes, and other predators who are exposed often suffer the same fatal hemorrhaging as their meal. A recent study found 100% of Red-tailed Hawks tested at the Tufts Wildlife Clinic had Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) in their organs. It's not just predators who are impacted, but household pets too. MSPCA-Angell veterinary hospital reports treating dozens of dogs, cats, and other household pets for AR poisoning each year.
While ARs are prohibited for residential consumer purchase in the Commonwealth, commercial use is allowed for licensed pesticide companies.
More than 90 communities across the state are working to restrict ARs in their municipalities, with much success. Please help us make the Commonwealth a safer place for people and animals by working to pass H. 965 into law this year.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Sign PetitionSign PetitionPlease support H. 965, An Act restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment. This bill is sponsored by Representative Jim Hawkins and is currently in the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
This bill will end the registration (and reregistration) of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs), unless deemed necessary for a public health emergency by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture and Resources (MDAR).
Anticoagulant Rodenticides are a particularly toxic group of poisons used as a form of rodent control. When ingested, ARs prevent the clotting of blood, and cause the animal who ingested it to sustain heavy internal bleeding, eventually causing death. The poison remains in the dead or dying rodent's system for days.
ARs impact non-targeted pets and wildlife populations, such as birds of prey, who rely on the poisoned rodents as a food source. As a result, hawks, eagles, owls, foxes, and other predators who are exposed often suffer the same fatal hemorrhaging as their meal. A recent study found 100% of Red-tailed Hawks tested at the Tufts Wildlife Clinic had Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) in their organs. It's not just predators who are impacted, but household pets too. MSPCA-Angell veterinary hospital reports treating dozens of dogs, cats, and other household pets for AR poisoning each year.
While ARs are prohibited for residential consumer purchase in the Commonwealth, commercial use is allowed for licensed pesticide companies.
More than 90 communities across the state are working to restrict ARs in their municipalities, with much success. Please help us make the Commonwealth a safer place for people and animals by working to pass H. 965 into law this year.
Sincerely,
[Name]
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