Barn Owl Rodenticide Poisoning: A Preventable Welfare Crisis

Secondary poisoning from rodenticides used on farms and in buildings is a significant and preventable cause of barn owl mortality and suffering across the UK.

Key Facts

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides are detected in over 80% of barn owls tested post-mortem
Anticoagulant poisoning causes internal haemorrhage and prolonged suffering before death
Barn owl populations are recovering in some areas but rodenticide remains a major threat
The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use provides training for professional pest controllers
Alternative rodent control methods including proofing, trapping, and falconry are effective in many situations

Welfare Considerations

Barn owls poisoned by anticoagulant rodenticides die slowly from internal bleeding, experiencing weakness, disorientation, and haemorrhage over days. Young owlets poisoned through prey brought by parents may survive longer in compromised condition before death. The welfare cost of rodenticide poisoning to individual barn owls is severe and prolonged. The tragedy is that many poisoning events are preventable through use of less persistent first-generation rodenticides, improved bait security, and habitat management that reduces rodent pressure. Wildlife hospitals receive barn owls with sublethal poisoning throughout the year.

What You Can Do

Report any barn owl showing abnormal behaviour to a wildlife hospital immediately
Advocate for tighter restrictions on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide use near wildlife habitats
Use rodent-proof storage and building proofing rather than routine rodenticide baiting
Support barn owl conservation charities that rehabilitate poisoned birds
Install barn owl boxes to support local populations while advocating for rodenticide reform