Victorian Greens want to ban store-bought mice poison to protect native wildlife
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Most people probably don't consider the possible impact rat poison can have on natural wildlife. They may be effective in terms of rat control, but they can also be extremely dangerous to animals who may accidentally consume poisoned rats.
This can include everything from birds of prey to small mammals and even reptiles. In some cases, the poison can even be passed on to humans who eat contaminated animals.
There has been a surge in the number of reports of local species being killed by rat poison in recent years. This has prompted proposals to prohibit the use of rat poison in regions where native fauna exists.
This is one of the main reasons why the Victorian Greens are advocating for a state-wide ban on the sale of second-generation rodent poisons as part of an agriculture reform bill.
The Victorian Greens say that SGARs kill native birds and pets that eat dead rats. Credit: Facebook (left), AP (right).
The Agriculture Legislation Amendment Bill is being discussed in Victoria's upper house during concurrent sessions of both houses of state parliament.
It will change eleven various agricultural acts to address biodiversity, chemical use, veterinary practice, and food safety, among other issues.
The bill is supported by all parties, however, the Victorian Greens want to introduce an amendment to prohibit the broad sale of second-generation rodenticides in supermarkets and hardware stores.
Currently, second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are available for purchase at retailers such as Woolworths and Bunnings.
In contrast to first-generation poisons, a blood-thinning chemical employed in SGARs can remain active for months and induce secondary poisoning of species such as eagles and owls that feast on dead or dying mice.
Last year, federal regulators denied New South Wales' request to use bromadiolone, an SGAR called "napalm for rats," to combat its rampant mouse infestation out of worries for other wildlife.
In accordance with European licensing regulations, farmers would still be able to acquire second-generation rodenticides under the proposed Victorian restriction.
Ellen Sandell has urged the Andrews Government to support the ban on second-generation poisons for rodents. Credit: Ellen Sandell.
The deputy leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell, has urged the Andrews administration to support the moratorium in order to conserve the state's rich native wildlife.
She asserted in a statement, "Every year, countless native birds, mammals, and pet cats and dogs are poisoned by eating mice and rats that have consumed dangerous commercial poisons."
"These toxic rat poisons should not be sold in supermarkets and hardware stores, and they have already been outlawed in several countries," she added.
The agriculture amendment bill has been the subject of debunked rumours that it will prohibit individuals from growing their own food. These rumours have spread in Australia and parts of Europe.
AAP FactCheck reported, "Nothing in the bill prohibits Victorians from growing their own food."
A representative for the Victorian government affirmed that the revisions will not have such an effect, stating that the legislation will instead assist in safeguarding food security, food safety, and access to export markets.
What are your thoughts, members?
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