Wildlife Welfare: Barn Owl Conservation and Secondary Poisoning

Barn owls are iconic UK predators whose welfare is significantly threatened by secondary poisoning from rodenticides used in agricultural and domestic settings.

Key Facts

Barn owl populations declined severely in the 20th century, with partial recovery since legal protection
Secondary rodenticide poisoning occurs when owls eat rodents that have ingested poison bait
Anticoagulant rodenticides accumulate in the liver and cause prolonged, painful internal bleeding
Studies show liver anticoagulant residues in the majority of barn owls tested in some areas
The Rodenticide Stewardship Regime regulates but does not ban second-generation rodenticides on farms

Welfare Considerations

Secondary rodenticide poisoning causes one of the cruellest welfare harms inflicted on wild animals - prolonged internal haemorrhage causing weakness, disorientation and death over days. Barn owls are sentinel species for rodenticide contamination because of their position at the top of the small mammal food chain. Reducing rodenticide use through alternative pest management, using first-generation compounds where possible and ensuring bait security prevents this largely avoidable welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Use rodenticide alternatives including trapping and good farm hygiene as first options
Only use rodenticides when necessary and follow the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use guidelines
Report dead or sick owls to the Barn Owl Trust for necropsy and rodenticide monitoring
Support campaigns for stronger rodenticide stewardship requirements