SPCA Shares Concern Over 1080 Poison Drop

SPCA Shares Concern Over 1080 Poison Drop

The Graf Boys

The SPCA has shared concern about a video clip covering the recent Department of Conservation's Mt Pirongia aerial 1080 poison drop, near Hamilton.

The video clip http://youtu.be/rkgyXF56Uvo produced by The Graf Boys, raises several animal welfare concerns. It also points out that many of the manufacturer's warnings were either breached, or ignored.

When asked to comment on the clip, Ric Odom, CEO of the Royal New Zealand SPCA, said:

"Although the SPCA agrees that there is a need to control pest species, the widespread use of the lethal poison 1080 is of concern, especially when non-targeted animals are killed. Of particular concern is that even though the Animal Control Products Ltd own Safety Data Sheet clearly states that 1080 is a deadly poison that is ecotoxic and should not be used in or near waterways, 1080 is clearly entering and polluting waterways via aerial drops.”

The flight chart for the aerial drop detailing the coverage of the baits was released by the Department of Conservation upon request, and shows that the deadly poison 1080 was dropped directly into practically all streams and waterways.

Poisoned carcasses are being left to decompose where they fell – whether that was on the land or in the water. Animals poisoned by 1080 take many hours to die, and young, dependent animals are often left to die of starvation or cold after their mother's are poisoned. To view the New Zealand Govt owned manufacturer's label click this link http://pestoff.co.nz/images/stories/sds/sds1080pellets.pdf

ENDS

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