PETA on the 1080 threat
While People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia would never condone the disturbing threats that
someone is making to poison baby formula with 1080 in protest of the poison being used to kill wildlife, we can agree
that no one should be killed in this slow, painful way.
Dr. Miranda Sherley, scientific officer for the RSPCA, compiled a report on the chemical and found that poisoned animals
endure foaming at the mouth, vomiting, losing control of their bowels, difficulty breathing, and becoming weak or
partially paralysed. And a drover from Queensland reported seeing his working dogs "screaming with pain" after they
accidentally ingested 1080. The World League for Protection of Animals reports that animals poisoned with the chemical
can take up to 44 agonising hours to die. Those hours are certainly filled with anxiety and terror. And 1080 is
indiscriminate—non-target animals are often its victims.
In addition to being cruel, poisoning animals is ineffective for wildlife control. If a few animals are killed, and the
area remains attractive and accessible, others will just move in to take their places. More effective, humane methods of
managing wildlife include fertility control, growing "sacrifice" crops, electric fencing, mesh fencing, and metal tree
rings.
This poison is banned almost everywhere in the world except for Australia and New Zealand, and it is a dark mark on the
face of these two nations. PETA concurs with Dr. Sherley: 1080 is "not humane" and "we need to move on."
Sincerely,
Jason Baker
Director of Campaigns
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia
ENDS