TCT calls for a ban on poisoning of native animals to mark World Animal Day
To give Tasmanian’s something to celebrate this World Animal Day – Sunday 4th October – the Tasmanian Conservation Trust calls on the State Government to immediately end the use of 1080 poison as a control for native browsing animals and ensure it is not replaced by any other poison.
“The TCT is alarmed at the dramatic increase in 1080 use for native animals in the 2008-09 financial year. Figures released recently by the State Government show the amount of 1080 used is up 44% since 2007-08,” said TCT Director Peter McGlone.
“To make the situation worse, this spike in 1080 use comes as the State Government’s ‘Alternatives to 1080 Program’ is winding down.”
“We fear the recent increase in 1080 use will continue and, without a commitment from the State Government to on-going development of effective alternatives, farmers and forestry companies may go back to relying on 1080 or another poison being developed ‘Feratox’.”
“The TCT calls on the Minister for Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn, to mark World Animal Day by making a commitment to end the use of 1080 and other poisons for control of native animals and to refund the ‘Alternatives to 1080 Program’ to deliver non-lethal control options.
“In the lead up to next year’s state election David Llewellyn has a historic opportunity to take Tasmania in a new direction in how we treat out native animals.
“The impending end of the current ‘Alternatives to 1080 Program’ will be a turning point for the State Government and a test for Minister Llewellyn.”
Current funding for the ‘Alternatives to 1080 Program’ ceases in March 2010. The Program was established under the Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement in 2005 to research and develop methods to control native browsing animals without resorting to poisons and, where possible, without lethal means. A large proportion (in excess of $200 000) of the ‘Alternatives to 1080’ budget has been allocated to develop and register Feratox (a cyanide based poison) in Australia and further funding may be allocated.
“Even though there has been a reduction in 1080 use over the last ten years, the TCT estimates that each year tens of thousands of native animals, mainly Bennetts wallabies and pademelons, suffer a protracted and distressing death from 1080 poison. The use of 1080 on native animals must end due to:
– the unnecessary and unacceptable cruelty;
– public opposition (local, interstate and international);
– the availability of humane alternative control methods;
– the insufficient measures to ensure non-target species are not impacted.”
As well as calling on the State Government to take action, the TCT has written to the Tasmanian Liberal Party and Tasmanian Greens calling for them to establish an election policy that supports banning the use of 1080 for native animals and provision of resources for non-lethal alternatives.
Web: www.tct.org.au
Peter McGlone
