Second-generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) continue to kill native wildlife, and also put our domestic animals and the wider Australian environment at risk, because the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has not reacted fast enough!
Sign our open letter and help us get dangerous SGARs brought under control.
SGARs are a silent killer, poisoning non-target animals including native birds like owls and eagles, as well as beloved family pets like cats and dogs. North American and European governments have already regulated the use of these poisons because of the risks to communities and the environment. The Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is meant to protect Australia from chemicals like SGARs, but after years we’re still not seeing action.
After the 2022 Federal Election, Senator Murray Watt, the incoming Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, organised an independent inquiry into the APVMA. They found numerous reviews remain years behind schedule, including eight delayed by over 17 years. In response Minister Watt issued a ministerial direction to the APVMA to finalise these reviews urgently.
We welcome Minister Watt’s response to the inquiry, and our open letter asks that he adds SGARs to the list of reviews he’s accelerating.
We could and should protect wildlife, pets, and our environment and communities immediately, given the facts known now. Plus we already have far safer alternatives than SGARs widely available in Australia.
First-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides, non-anticoagulant rodenticides, and mechanical traps are similarly as economical and effective as SGARs, but pose far less risk of non-target poisoning for other wildlife, and pose far less long-term risk to ecosystems. Evidence continues to emerge showing high levels of SGAR toxicity in non-target animals tested across the country, and internationally – where European and North American governments have already acted on the clear dangers.
Help ensure Australia is safe from dangerous SGARs, by adding your name to our open letter.
Powerful Owls by Lyn Walsh
