Wildlife

Wild Barn Owl Rodenticide Reform

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides accumulate in barn owls and other raptors, causing hemorrhagic disease and population-level welfare harm.

Key Facts

Over 95 percent of UK barn owls sampled at post-mortem show SGAR residues in their livers
SGARs accumulate through the food chain as owls consume poisoned rodents
Clinical signs of SGAR poisoning include hemorrhage, weakness, and death from internal bleeding
UK rodenticide stewardship scheme restricts indoor-only SGAR use but outdoor bait is still permitted
Alternative rodent management methods including trapping and barn owl habitat provide non-toxic control

Welfare Considerations

Barn owls poisoned by SGARs suffer from internal hemorrhage causing progressive weakness and painful death over days. The near-universal residue contamination represents chronic low-level poisoning affecting the entire population.

What You Can Do

Avoid using second-generation rodenticides wherever possible in favor of trapping and exclusion
Advocate for stronger rodenticide stewardship regulations restricting outdoor SGAR use
Support barn owl nest box programs that provide natural rodent control alternatives