Calls continue to grow for a comprehensive ban on rodent poisons across British Columbia. The province’s current temporary ban on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) still allows for these products to be used in many circumstances. Meanwhile, the ban fails to prohibit other dangerous rodenticides that pose a similar threat to wildlife from being used. These loopholes prompted VHS, advocates and concerned B.C. residents to call for further action by the B.C. government to protect wildlife from these dangerous and cruel poisons.
Most recently, the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective shared their support for a comprehensive rodenticide ban and their members took to social media to help raise awareness.
“The Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective (CCPC) fully supports a province-wide ban of all rodenticides in British Columbia as proposed by the Vancouver Humane Society.
The indiscriminate use of rodenticides in the province leads to the deaths each year of many non-target species, such as raptors and household pets. Many owl species, which are extraordinarily adept at catching and killing rodents, are the unfortunate victims of rodenticide use. As advocates for conservation, our members would welcome the discontinuation of all rodenticides in B.C. and the rest of Canada.”
CCPC members shared stunning images of different species who often fall victim to rodenticide poisoning, reiterating the widespread impact of these indiscriminate poisons. Scroll down the page to see some of the CCPC photographers’ powerful images and words.
If you haven’t already, you can also add your name to our petition, calling for a comprehensive rodenticide ban.
Yuri Choufour
“They’ve played an important role in ecosystems for millions of years and captured the human imagination through recorded history. I think you’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like owls. When scanning their surroundings with large piercing eyes, these elusive and charismatic birds often perch hidden in plain sight. Varying adaptations such as nearly silent flight, strong vision & exceptional hearing have made them one of nature’s ultimate rodent hunters.
Some owl species are already imperilled by habitat loss, so we need to act to diminish further threats! Thanks to efforts by the Vancouver Humane Society, you can take part in an online petition to help put an end to the controversial use of rodenticides in BC. These poisons are counter-productive, as they often kill the predators of the targeted rodents in the process. We would love you to lend your voice, helping put a stop to this outdated practice. There are better solutions out there, and we need to continue to improve when it comes to coexisting with wildlife.”
Follow: yurichoufour
Mark Williams
“Rodenticides:
You may have heard this this term, you may have even considered using them, trusting a large company that they are safe, well they are absolutely not. Not for you, for your pets and certainly not for a number of wild animals.
They are extremely toxic poisons that cause a slow and painful death for the rodents. Then what do you think happened to the dead rodents? They are consumed by a number of scavengers or the sick rodents are piled off by predators like owls having deviating effects. I also ready one study that over 60% of mountain lion necropsies found large numbers of rodenticides in them. They are also very harmful for pets and can easily getting into human agricultures for us to consume.”
Follow: marineconservationphotography
Isabelle Groc
“A few years ago, I wrote and co-directed with @mikemckinlayproductions a short film in collaboration with @wildernews about the work of biologist Sofi Hindmarch to understand and conserve the threatened barn owl in British Columbia. ‘Silent Flight’ highlights the many struggles this species is facing: habitat loss, road mortality and rodenticide poisoning. The film can be viewed in the film section of my website.
Today there is an opportunity for all of us to take action and make a difference for the survival of the barn owl, and all wildlife species that suffer a slow and painful death after consuming poisoned rodents.
On July 21, 2021, the B.C. government enacted an 18-month partial ban on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), citing the serious risk they pose to the public, pets and wildlife. This means SGARs cannot be used in or around most residential buildings, offices, parks, schools, or non-food retail shops. Unfortunately, gaps in the ban and an apparent lack of enforcement continue to leave wildlife at risk.
Please join me and the members of @theccpc.ca in supporting the @vancouverhumane who are asking the government of British Columbia to ban all rodenticides in the province.”
Follow: isabellegroc
Ryan Miller
“Vancouver Humane Society is taking action to ban rodenticides. They are 1000 signatures shy of their goal.
Rodenticides are highly toxic poisons that cause a slow and painful death for the rodents that consume them and can severely injure or kill any scavengers, predators or pets who encounter the poisoned rodents. In fact, B.C.-based Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL) noted that a few years ago a blood test study found that more than half of the animals in their care had poison residue in their system.”
Follow: ryanmillerphoto
Trailz
“Important BC Wildlife post … Please go to @vancouverhumane click in their profile to sign the petition to permanently ban poisons against all wildlife. Lets be a voice for those without and help protect these beautiful lives.”
Follow: happytrailzjk
Ray Maichin
“Rodenticides have long caused problems for BC wildlife. On top of being extremely inhumane, rodenticides have far reaching consequences not just to the target ‘pests’ but the wildlife that feeds on them.
Last year, the BC government put a temporary ban on rodenticide use which may be lifted soon. @vancouverhumane and others are calling for a full PERMANENT ban on these deadly poisons that also pose threats to children and pets.”
Follow: raymaichinphoto
Michael, Vancouver Island Wildlife
“At the time I’m writing this The Vancouver Humane Society is a little over a thousand signatures short of there goal of 5000 to help ban the use of rodenticides.
Rodenticides for anyone that doesn’t know are an incredibly toxic poison that once consumed cause a very cruel and painful death to the rodents that consume.
The effects of rodenticides doesn’t stop there as it can cause severe injuries and death to scavenging animals especially birds of prey that feed on these rodents!
On July 21st 2021 the BC government put in place a 18 month PARTIAL ban on rodenticides where they can not be used near schools, residential buildings, parks, offices, or non-food retail shops. Holes in this law and lack of enforcement are still leaving wildlife at risk!”
Follow: islandwildlife
Josh DeLeenheer
“Please join me and the members of @theccpc.ca in supporting the @vancouverhumane, who are asking the government of British Columbia to ban all rodenticides in the province. This is an opportunity for you to have a direct impact on a conservation issue.”
Follow: josh.deleenheer.photography
You can help!
Your voice can make a difference in the call to protect wildlife from cruel and dangerous rodent poisons. Take the quick action to support a full ban on rodenticides in B.C.
Looking to protect animals in your community? Next time you are running errands or spending time outside, keep an eye out for bait boxes that may contain banned poisons around non-exempt locations like apartment buildings, offices, and parks. Learn how to identify and report banned rodenticides here.