Wildlife

Barn Owl Welfare

Barn owls face rodenticide poisoning habitat loss and road mortality requiring targeted interventions.

Key Facts

Evidence-based approaches to barn owl welfare inform welfare improvements globally
Animal welfare science provides tools to assess and improve conditions for all species
Individual consumer choices combined with advocacy create lasting systemic change
Every action to reduce animal suffering contributes to a more compassionate world

Welfare Considerations

Barn owls are critically sensitive to secondary rodenticide poisoning from eating rats that consumed anticoagulant baits. Road mortality is significant as owls hunt at low height along road verges. Nest site loss from barn renovation and loss of rough grassland hunting habitat are reducing barn owl populations. Nest box programs and rodenticide restriction are the primary welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Install barn owl nest boxes in suitable habitats
Never use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides on your property
Support rough grassland habitat maintenance as barn owl hunting ground
Advocate for broader restrictions on brodifacoum and similar compounds