Sign the petition: CITIZENS SPEAK! MAKE BC RODENTICIDE FREE

Humans and animals have a complicated relationship that continuously evolves as we gain a more thorough understanding of their sentience and role within ecosystems. While moral obligation and socially acceptable treatment of animals varies across cultures, recent developments in the legal protection of animals demonstrates a clear shift towards a more conscious coexistence. Failure to adapt legislative policy accordingly has led to environmental consequences and has stunted the development of alternatives that benefit humans and animals alike. Defend Them All is part of the growing movement to reduce the harm caused to animals and the environment as a result of rodenticides. 

In response to the growing awareness of rodenticide-abundance in the ecosystem, the pain and suffering these products inflict on animals, and the availability of better solutions, the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy announced a new Rodenticide Action Plan in July, 2021, which included temporary restrictions on the sale and use of some rodenticides and a scientific review of the root causes of secondary poisoning. Despite pointed feedback regarding the scope and efficacy of the proposed changes, the Ministry made these restrictions permanent in October, 2022.

Citizen advocates in BC are pleased that the Ministry has acknowledged the unreasonable adverse effects SGARs have on wildlife but have expressed great concern that the new restrictions fail to reduce significant risks of exposure. The changes only reduce the use of products containing the active ingredients brodifacoum, bromadiolone, and/or difethialone: just 3 of 27 active [toxic] ingredients found in rodenticides currently registered in Canada. Additionally, overly-broad and unnecessary exemptions and complexities further frustrate compliance issues and enforcement impossibilities. While it serves as an important symbolic step forward, the Rodenticide Action Plan falls short of satisfying the Ministry’s obligations pursuant to the Integrated Pest Management Act to protect the environment from unreasonable adverse effects caused by rodenticide products.

DTA and its partners were hopeful that the Ministry would take more aggressive action to protect BC.’s wildlife, pets, and people:

• Our investigation and analysis reveal a catastrophic failure across government agencies responsible for keeping, collecting, and monitoring data necessary to protect wildlife and the environment from the impact of rodenticides.  By failing to properly regulate the use of rodenticide products, the Ministry falls tragically short of its statutory duty to protect the environment from the adverse effects of these poisons.

• Current data and research confirms that, in the long run, rodenticides are ineffective and counterproductive in controlling rodent populations and were never intended as a long term solution.  Despite this, the Ministry continues to routinely grant licenses to Commercial Pest control companies and promote the use of rodenticides over other safer and more effective methods to control rodent populations.

• Numerous owl and companion animal deaths believed to be related to rodenticide exposure have been reported since restrictions were introduced in 2021 demonstrating that broad exemptions allow continued use, enforcement challenges, and unmitigated risk.

• Nothing short of a complete and permanent ban on the use of rodenticides by the government will stop the tragic deaths of raptors and protect our wildlife and environment from the long-term effects of these poisons.

Rodenticides

Rodenticides, also known as "rat poisons," are ingestible pesticides used to kill rats, mice, and other target rodents. These products are inhumane, pose serious threats to animals, including family pets and wildlife, the environment, and to human health, while at the same time failing to control rodent populations over the long-term. Chemicals classified as rodenticides vary in the active ingredients they include, but generally aim to kill unwanted pests by preventing normal blood clotting, causing internal hemorrhaging, or disturbing nervous system functions. These compounds, enhanced with attractive flavors and colors, are commonly placed in and around homes and commercial areas to attract unwanted wildlife, leading to death.

Symptoms of rodenticide poisoning can take days to appear, and rodents can survive for four to 13 days after ingesting a lethal dose. The delayed onset of symptoms, combined with their recognition of the bait as a food source, permits the poisoned rat to continue feeding on baits for days leading up to their death. By the time the rat finally dies, it is possible that it has accumulated poison far exceeding the lethal dose. 

In addition to the harm to the rodent, a weak, poisoned rat serves as easy prey. This gives rise to the secondary poisoning of predators such as foxes, owls, and other raptors who consume the rodent. Contact with poisoned rats can even affect humans, household pets, and water sources.

By poisoning raptors and other predators that feed on rodents, rodenticides effectively reduce the efficacy of natural and chemical-free means of controlling rat populations. Relying on poison for control distracts from the root of infestation problems - by eliminating the resident population, SGARs allow a new group to move in. Additionally, poisoned rats mate faster in the time before their deaths to compensate for thinning numbers.

What Can You Do To Help?

• Educate yourself and those around you on the harmful effects of rodenticides.

• Speak with your local government officials.

• Start or sign a petition.

• Promote natural and humane pest management, including exclusion measures around your home.

campaign documents

Advocates Raise Concerns Over Misleading Pest Management Industry Backed Propaganda (February 2024)

RFBC Fact Sheet (December, 2022)

Responses to Proposed Changes to BC’s Integrated Pest Management Regulations (Rodenticide Intentions Paper), Rodenticide Free BC Campaign (June, 2022)

A Summary of Independent Research Related to Raptor Mortality and Rodenticides in British Columbia, Rodenticide Free BC Campaign (November, 2021)

A Critical Analysis of BC’s Rodenticide Action Plan, Marie Turcott, Defend Them All Legal Fellow, Vancouver, BC, Canada (November, 2021)

Defending Nature Against Rodenticides - Marie Turcott, Defend Them All Legal Fellow, Vancouver, BC, Canada 

Draft Legislation and Briefing Note - Rodenticide Ban, British Columbia

The following BC municipalities have passed motions regarding rodenticides:

• District of North Vancouver

• District of Saanich

• District of North Saanich

• District of Central Saanich

• City of Colwood

• City of Port Moody

• District of Sooke

• City of North Vancouver

• City of Victoria

• District of Oak Bay

• City of New Westminster

• City of West Vancouver

• Town of View Royal

• Town of Qualicum Beach

• City of Richmond

• District of Highlands

• Township of Esquimalt

• City of Salmon Arm

• Municipality of Cowichan

• 450 Islands of the Salish Sea (Islands Trust Council)

• Resort Municipality of Whistler

Want to start a campaign in your community? Please reach out to Defend Them All for additional resources, consultation, and campaign support to meet your needs.