Hi everyone.
The above photo was posted on Facebook last month by a concerned citizen in Melbourne. It is, or WAS, an Eastern Barn Owl, poisoned and killed by SGAR rat baits that were allegedly bought from Bunnings. This would make sense, as they are the biggest supplier of these freely available poisons.
And below, is a quote from Bunnings:
“AR’s, when used according to manufacturer’s recommendations offer little risk to human health and very little risk to non-target species. Rodenticides, including ARs have been utilised for many years to assist with rodent control in home gardens and public health situations. Bunnings sees no reason for this to change”.
Bunnings is well aware of an alarming rise in the mortality rates of native animals and poisoning of pets due to rodenticide poisonings. It's been all over the news for years. And it's getting worse..
Please write to the Managing Director of Bunnings, Michael Schneider. You can use the template below or write your own letter.
MSchneider@bunnings.com.au
Dear Michael,
I'm writing to voice my concern over non-target poisoning of animals due to SGAR poisoning. Bunnings has been repeatedly told by scientists, consumers and conservationists to remove SGAR poisons from shelves, but nothing has happened. I am pleading with you as the owners of BUNNINGS to take action and remove SGAR poisons from the shelves.
They claim customers need variety, and say they are working with the APVMA, however, there are many other methods of rodent control available. Owls and raptors are natural predators, and there are estimated to be less than 8,000 powerful owls in existence in NSW. They eat up to 250 possums and hundreds of rodents a year - If they are wiped out, rodent plagues will worsen substantially. Pets are being poisoned too, more and more frequently.
Please respond and tell me how you will take action against this urgent matter. SGAR poisons must be restricted to pest controllers and banned from retail use.
Regards,
(Your name here)
Thank you everyone - Our next goal is 5,000 signatures. Keep signing, keep sharing, and keep up hope. I for one won't give up the fight for our pets and wildlife.
Talk soon :)
Meg