Richard Prosser MP

Spokesperson for Primary Industries and Outdoor Recreation
2 October 2015

Dog Death Highlights 1080 Dangers

The death of a pet dog poisoned by 1080 in a “safe” area proves we need an immediate moratorium on aerial drops, says New Zealand First.

“Consents that grant authority to drop 1080 from the air also include buffer zones and other precautions which have shown to be ineffective - this latest tragedy is another example,” says Primary Industries and Outdoor Recreation Spokesperson Richard Prosser.

“Sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080) is an indiscriminate poison – it is effective because it kills anything that eats it.

“A much-loved family dog should not die in her own backyard, which was well outside the buffer zone and all precautions were followed.

“The cruel prolonged death of a dog who has bitten in to a poisoned possum carcass is the same for possums, deer and birds when they eat 1080. Animals can take from 12 to 48 hours to die and there is no antidote.

“While the poison is active, New Zealanders are at risk from affected water and food supplies.

“The SPCA wants to see an end to this stuff and so does New Zealand First,” says Mr Prosser.

ENDS

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