Wildlife

Wild Barn Owl Rodenticide Poisoning

Barn owls are frequently poisoned by second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides ingested in poisoned prey, causing a significant preventable welfare burden.

Key Facts

Studies show over 80% of barn owls tested in the UK carry SGAR residues in their livers
Brodifacoum and difenacoum are the most commonly detected compounds in barn owl post-mortems
SGARs cause fatal haemorrhage and a slow, painful death over several days
Barn owls provide free natural rodent control equivalent to dozens of traps
The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use promotes alternatives to SGARs

Welfare Considerations

Barn owl rodenticide poisoning causes prolonged suffering and death from a preventable exposure. Reducing SGAR use in agricultural settings directly reduces barn owl welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Never use second-generation rodenticide products in or around farm buildings
Install barn owl nest boxes to provide natural pest control and reduce rodenticide demand
Report suspected barn owl poisoning to the RSPB Wildlife Crime Unit