Keeping companion animals safe from 1080 poison

Many Australians with companion animals are unaware of the deadly effects of 1080 poison, a lethal substance used to kill unwanted or unwelcome wildlife. This poison can be fatal consequences to any animal, including dogs and cats, that come into contact with it. In this article, we will delve into how 1080 poison affects our furry companions and the ways you can keep them safe when heading on outdoor adventures.

What is 1080 poison?

1080 poison, also known as sodium fluoroacetate, is a lethal white, odourless, water-soluble powder that is mixed with food baits and spread across large areas to control unwanted wildlife. Any animal who ingests it, suffers from a slow and painful death.

Where can I find out about 1080 baiting programs?

1080 poison is used in every state and territory of Australia by local councils, government departments, and private landholders. It is commonly used in national parks, state parks, bushlands, beaches, and even the outskirts of suburban areas. Despite the risks 1080 poison poses to companion animals and humans, there is no central access point where Australians can check where baiting programs are underway.  

It's essential for you, as a responsible animal carer, to stay informed about potential baiting programs in the area or any areas you are travelling to, to prevent their dogs from accidentally consuming poison. In some cases, baiting programs may be listed on state government websites, however, this is not mandatory, so it is essential for you to do your research before heading out. We highly recommend looking out for signs at entry points to parks, bushes, and beaches, to ensure no baiting has occurred in the area.

What do the 1080 warning signs look like?

1080 poison warning signs are typically placed around baiting areas to alert the public to the potential danger. Under most state and territory law, people engaging in 1080 baiting must: 

• place warning signs at the main entrances to private properties or national parks

• at every entry point to a baited location

• at intervals along public thoroughfares that border or pass the baited location. 

These signs typically include the words “1080 poison”, “poison”, “1080 baiting” in red text, an exclamation point, or a skull and crossbones symbol. They must include information about the types of bait used, when they were laid, the contact details of the person who laid them, and a warning that other animals may be impacted.

It's crucial for people with companion animals to familiarise themselves with poison warning signs and to take them seriously. While it may be tempting to let your dog off-leash in an area where baiting is occurring, it's important to remember that the poison can remain active for several weeks or even months.

Is there an antidote?

Unfortunately, there is no known antidote for 1080 poisoning. Once the poison has been ingested, it affects the central nervous system and causes organ failure and death by fatally interfering with the body's ability to produce energy at the cellular level.

How long does it take for 1080 to kill a dog?

The length of time it takes for 1080 poison to kill a dog depends on several factors, including the size of the dog, the amount of poison ingested, and the dog's overall health. The onset of symptoms can be very rapid, with dogs often becoming agitated, hyperactive, and disorientated within 30 minutes to 2 hours of ingesting the poison. This can quickly progress to seizures, respiratory distress, and cardiac arrest. Death can occur within 12-48 hours, however, in some cases, symptoms may take several days to appear, making it challenging to diagnose and treat the poisoning.

Dogs are the most susceptible species to 1080 poison. For a 30 kilogram dog, less than 2 milligrams is enough to kill them. More than 3 times this amount is used in baits meant to kill dingoes.

How can I keep my dog safe from 1080 poisoning?

The best way to keep your dog safe from 1080 poisoning is to avoid areas where baiting is occurring. This, however, may not always be possible, especially if you live in a rural area or enjoy bushwalking with your dog.

Here are some tips to help keep your dog safe:

• Avoid walking your dog in areas where warning signs have been posted.

• Keep your dog on a leash at all times in areas where 1080 baiting programs are being conducted. 

• If you do walk your dog in these areas, keep a close eye on them and ensure that they do not ingest anything they find on the ground. 

• Consider using a muzzle to ensure additional safety.

• If you suspect that your dog has ingested 1080 poison, seek veterinary attention immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Conclusion

As a dog carer, you have a responsibility to keep your furry friend safe from harm. Unfortunately, the use of 1080 poison in Australia poses a significant risk them, with many dogs dying from poisoning every year. That is why it is essential for you to be aware of the potential danger and take necessary precautions when adventuring with your four-legged friend.

If you are concerned about the use of 1080 poison baits in your area or to an area you are travelling to, you can contact your local council or state government department to find out more. You can also use the Coalition Against 1080 Poison’s state-by-state guide to contact your relevant minister. By working together, we can help to protect companion animals and ensure that they can enjoy a happy and healthy life.

For information on what to do if you suspect your dog has been poisoned, please visit the Coalition Against 1080 Poison.

Want to take action?

Our friends at the Coalition Against 1080 Poison are calling on the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (‘APVMA’) to urgently and transparently, reconsider the approval and registration of 1080 poison in Australia. The APVMA hold the legislative power to stop animals from suffering a traumatic death by 1080 poison.