Wildlife Welfare

Wild Barn Owl Rodenticide Reform

Reforming rodenticide regulations to protect barn owls and other raptors requires balancing pest control needs with wildlife welfare.

Key Facts

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) cause raptor secondary poisoning
80%+ of UK barn owls tested post-mortem have SGAR residues
The UK government has proposed restrictions on SGAR use for professional pest controllers
Alternatives including first-generation rodenticides and non-toxic traps are available
Professional pest controller protocols can significantly reduce SGAR exposure to wildlife

Welfare Considerations

Barn owls dying from secondary rodenticide poisoning suffer prolonged internal haemorrhage before death. Regulatory reform that limits SGAR availability to circumstances where non-toxic alternatives genuinely cannot achieve pest control would significantly reduce this wildlife welfare harm. Professional pest control protocols that minimize environmental SGAR exposure protect barn owls without eliminating effective rodent management.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for tighter rodenticide regulations
Choose pest controllers committed to non-toxic methods where possible
Advocate for mandatory professional qualifications for SGAR use
Support barn owl monitoring programs that track poisoning incidence