Our hearts shattered when someone maliciously baited our young dogs in our own backyard. Our beautiful companion, who was full of life and just under 2 years old, lost their life to this senseless cruelty. It is devastating that something like 1080 poison, which is incredibly dangerous and deadly, is still allowed to be used in Australia, posing threats not just to wildlife but also to our beloved pets.

You always hear about it but never think it would happen to you. 1080 is a vicious poison, that once ingested there is no cure. It is absolutely horrific, with symptoms such as crying, screaming, howling, manic running/ behaviour, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, foaming at the mouth and then ultimately death which can all occur within half an hour of ingesting. 

Sodium fluoroacetate, commonly known as 1080, is used extensively across Australia to control invasive species such as foxes and feral dogs. However, its non-discriminatory nature means that it harms native wildlife and domestic animals just as much. According to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, there are increasing reports of the accidental poisoning of pets, not to mention the considerable suffering that 1080 causes to any animal ingesting it.

1080 is banned in many countries around the world due to its inhumane nature and the unacceptable risks it poses to ecosystems and human communities. It is time for Australia to follow suit and protect its diverse wildlife and domestic animals from such dangers. There are more humane and targeted alternatives available for controlling invasive species, such as fencing, trapping, and other non-lethal methods that offer a balanced approach without collateral damage.

We urge the Australian government to reconsider the licensing and usage of 1080 poison and invest in safer, more humane alternatives that safeguard both native and domestic animals. This is an immediate call to action to prevent further heartache for pet owners like us and to ensure the safety of all animals in our country.

Please join us in this critical fight to ban 1080 poison in Australia to ensure a safer environment for all our furry friends and local wildlife. Your signature can make a difference.