30 January 2014

Dunne Wary About Increased 1080 Use

UnitedFuture Peter Dunne is wary about DOC’s latest plans to increase the usage of 1080 poison on the conservation estate.

Mr Dunne, who is also Associate Conservation Minister, says he fully understands the reasons why the new campaign has been launched.

“The anticipated explosion in the rat and stoat population and the likely impact on native bird populations is an extreme threat, and we need to what we can to eliminate it.

“I have no argument with that.

“However, I am concerned about the potential impact on other species such as deer, and have discussed with the Minister of Conservation the use of deer repellent in areas of high deer population to minimise the risk of increased 1080 use on deer populations.

“I am pleased this matter is now being looked at,” he says.

Mr Dunne says while this latest incident highlights New Zealand’s vulnerability to pests, it also focuses attention on the need to develop alternatives to 1080 as part of a wider national pest management strategy.

ENDS

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