Wild Animals

Wild Barn Owl Rodenticide Poisoning

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) accumulate in small mammal prey and poison barn owls and other raptors, causing internal haemorrhage and painful death.

Key Facts

Studies show 80-90% of UK barn owls contain detectable SGAR residues
SGARs block vitamin K-dependent clotting factors causing internal bleeding
Poisoning may take 1-2 weeks to kill, causing prolonged suffering
Owls, red kites, polecats and pine martens are all affected as secondary consumers

Welfare Considerations

SGAR poisoning causes progressive haemorrhage, weakness and eventually death from blood loss. Affected birds show disorientation, reduced flight capacity and extreme thirst. The duration of suffering is substantial compared to acute toxins. The widespread and increasing detection of rodenticides in UK raptors represents a significant and under-regulated welfare problem.

What You Can Do

Use snap traps rather than rodenticides where possible
If rodenticides are necessary, use first-generation products (bromadiolone at low rates)
Report sick or dead raptors to the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme
Support the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use