Threat to Farm Stock Following 1080 Drops Concerning

TV Wild – The Graf Boys

18/07/2014

“Tip-offs” that “concerned residents living around 1080 poison drop zones have had enough” and will consider “throwing 1080 baits back across farm lands that border the drop zones” (that will likely kill farm stock) is not the Clean Green way to go, Clyde Graf says.

“We understand there is great concern with these aerial drops, however, spreading the poisonous baits back across adjacent farms will most likely have a negative effect on the use of 1080 poison, and may damage New Zealand’s Clean Green image” Graf says. Incidents of farm stock being accidentally poisoned is not unusual, as this video points out.

The Department of Conservation has declared it will spread the deadly pesticide-insecticide, poison-laced food, across up to one million hectares of New Zealand forests, every year, for the next 5 years, and probably more.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment stated in her 2011 report that more 1080 poison should be used. This was despite the fact that while conducting her report she failed to interview many of the scientists that were concerned about the use of the poison that is used to kill wildlife.

Minister for Conservation Nick Smith has stated that the Department of Conservation’s efforts are to stave off rats - "a plague of biblical proportions". However, it is well known in scientific literature that the use of 1080 poison increases rat populations, rapidly, following aerial drops, because of their massive breeding capability. To use the poison will increase rat populations, not diminish them.

Despite the comforting words from those responsible for spreading the poison, there is still not a single, credible, scientific study that shows a net population benefit to any native species. It’s a concerning fact, and one that the users of the poison have failed to address.

Most countries have banned or heavily restricted the use of 1080 poison because it causes an inhumane death and poses high risks to untargeted animals and birds. Unfortunately it's been part of New Zealand pest control policy for sixty years. “We urge those who are considering civil disobedience to think of the consequences – what will your actions achieve?” Says Graf. “We know that the users of the poison – Department of Conservation, TBFree, and Regional Councils - are killing native wildlife, but that does not mean that affected communities should join them.”

One thing is for sure – the poison drops will continue.

If you have information about poisoned wildlife, farm stock or pets following an aerial drop near you, please contact us – www.tvwild.co.nz

ENDS

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