ACTION ALERT: Rodenticide changes are coming, BC wants your say

A red fox family. Phto by Bob Hilscher / Getty Images

The Government of British Columbia is considering heavily restricting second-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides (SGARs) and wants to hear from you.

Rodenticides are poisons used to kill rodents such as rats and mice. While typically placed inside enclosed traps, non-target animals can access the poison (primary poisoning), and many species who prey on rodents become ill, suffer and die as a result of consuming rodents who were already poisoned (secondary poisoning). The impact on wildlife from SGARs is well documented, and prohibitions in jurisdictions like California are already in place.

SGARs specifically were easily available and accessible in British Columbia until a temporary ban was put in place, directly in response to the harm caused to wildlife.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change released this week an Intentions Paper, which “considers a science review, regulatory gap analysis and a jurisdictional scan of how SGARs are regulated internationally.”

While there are many exceptions that allow the use of SGARs in the Intentions Paper, the proposed policy would heavily restrict access to SGARs to certified and trained users within specific industries. Average homeowners or businesses would not be able to legally purchase SGARs or use them.

TAKE ACTION

The Fur-Bearers are encouraging BC residents to comment on the Intentions Paper and provide feedback supporting the restrictions. We also encourage residents to note that vulnerable birds of prey and other species can and do thrive in many habitats, including urban ones, therefore removing SGARs from all habitats is ideal.

Visit the government’s consultation website to submit your comments through an online form or send your feedback to  (letter mail address in the PDF) by June 19, 2022 to have it included in the final considerations. This website also includes information for webinars for the general public if you would like to register to learn more about the proposed regulatory changes. The Fur-Bearers will be conducting an in-depth analysis of the Intentions Paper and submitting our response in the coming days. 

TIPS FOR COMMENTING:

  • Always be polite and stay on point. This Intentions Paper is specific to SGARs and management of rodent populations.
  • Provide citations or references when making arguments to ensure they’re considered fully and utilized as part of the conversation about this issue.
  • Include your name and contact information so those reviewing comments know they’re from BC residents specifically.

FURTHER READING:

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Established in 1953, The Fur-Bearers is a charitable, non-partisan organization whose goals are to end the commercial fur trade and promote solutions for wildlife coexistence in communities. Your donation is tax-deductible. Charitable registration number: 130006125RR0002

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