I'm a dog owner, and I live with the constant fear of my four-legged friends getting ill due to exposure to glyphosate herbicide/pesticide sprayings in our area. Every time we're out for a walk, I worry about the potentially harmful effects of this toxic chemical. Despite vigilantly cleaning their paws after each walk, the fear lingers. The impact of this weed killer on the local wildlife is another troubling concern. Even worse, a close friend of mine has  lost two dogs potentially to the consequences of exposure to this very same herbicide. This could happen to any pet owner in Derby County Council. 

Glyphosate, studies have shown, could potentially lead to a series of health problems in humans and animals, such as cancer, reproductive problems, and endocrine disruption [source: International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organisation].

Spraying is conducted on quad bike, it's a point and shoot method at a speed faster than walking. It's almost impossible to accurately spray like this taking into account a moving vehicle and wind. The chemical can end up far from where it was intended. Mostly there are no exclusion zones, and the weedkiller is sprayed all over the pavement in addition to the grass. 

The spraying is from various sources, private contractors, housing associations, private gardeners on public highways, the council, private bodies. All of this spraying in public areas needs to be stopped. 

A small questionnaire conducted in 2024, through limited channels, mainly facebook, showed approximately 100 dogs all with the same symptoms - seizures*, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors*, breathing issues, no appetite, drooling. And 10 sadly ending in death. *Seizures and tremors are most commonly toxin related. You can also complete the questionnaire HERE

The timing of the sprayed areas often coincided with areas these dogs had been walked upto 48 hours later. 

The makers of Round Up (Monsanto), the most well known glyphosate herbicide, have just lost another case in the USA, paying 2 billion to one individual, bringing the total payouts to approximately 11 billion USD. This product not only harms our pets but is also something you don't want your children or yourself inhaling.

Public spaces are supposed to be for everyone but currently with the lack of warning signage and point and shoot spraying, they're not for us. Or many other tax paying residents with dogs and children.

This is why we appeal to the decision makers in Derby City Council to implement a complete ban on the use of glyphosate herbicides. Protect our pets, our local wildlife, and the general public from potential harm. 

We'd like to join the likes of Bath, Glastonbury, Derry, Brighton, Colchester and even Erewash, who are all either glysophate and pesticide free or almost free/working actively towards. Often achieved by petition. There are many more places listed on the link. 

With your help we can stop the use of this toxic herbicide before it causes more harm. Sign this petition to show your support for a healthier, safer Derby for all its residents, both two-legged and four-legged.

Please join the facebook page Justice For Our Pets And Wildlife to be kept upto date with local spraying news!