Ban 1080 Poison
About 1080 Poison
1080 poison is a chemical used to kill unwanted or unwelcome wildlife across Australia. It is a white, odourless, and tasteless poison and is considered a chemical of national security concern by the Federal Australian government, based on its fatality to all lifeforms. It is one of the most toxic substances found anywhere on earth and is in the same restricted regulatory schedule as other notorious poisons like arsenic and cyanide.
1080 fatally interferes with the body by starving the cells. It blocks the body from being able to convert food to energy. It takes time for this to occur, so there is a lag between ingestion, the onset of symptoms, and death. This can take anywhere from half an hour to up to 48 hours. During this time, the victim experiences severe suffering and stress. They endure prolonged seizures, bleeding from bodily orifices, including the eyes, mouth, and anus. There is no antidote to 1080 poisoning. Scientists from the RSPCA have concluded that 1080 is not a humane poison.
“1080 poisoning is like being electrocuted for two plus days”
Target Species
1080 poison is currently used to kill native and introduced animals. Governments across the country use it to kill dingoes, possums, wallabies, pademelons, rabbits, foxes, pigs, and cats. Dingoes are routinely referred to as “wild dogs” in an effort to mislead the public and retain the social licence to kill.
Though these are the “target” species, an untold number of other animals are killed in the process. These deaths are considered collateral damage. Despite claims by government departments and animal agribusiness industries, 1080 frequently kills non-target animals, including companion animals and other native Australian species.
Alternative Methods
In 2016, twenty researchers from across the world published a proposal calling for the adoption of 7 principles for ethical wildlife management. A key part of these principles are community attitudes to lethal control programs, like 1080 poisoning. These are becoming increasingly condemned as inhumane, ineffective and incompatible with sound science. There are a range of alternatives. These include contraception, predator-friendly farming practices and the use of novel deterrents, such as fladry (suspended flags along the top of a fence).
What is Animal Liberation Doing?
Animal Liberation has led the battle to ban 1080 poison in Australia for decades. We are proud to be a founding member of the Coalition of Australians Against 1080 Poison. This network of like-minded communities across the country is determined to secure a national ban on the purchase and use of 1080 poison.
Media
The battle to ban 1080 poison is spreading across Australia. Here are some examples of media articles featuring the Coalition of Australians Against 1080 Poison.
Drones to target ‘wild dogs’ with 1080 bait and by ‘wild dogs’ they mean dingoes – New Matilda (27 September 2019)
Poisoning Australia in the name of wildlife recovery after bushfire losses – Animals 24/7 (16 February 2020)
Three billion animals lost in the 19/20 bushfires – The Echo (8 September 2020)
Renewed calls to ban 1080 after beloved family dogs die ‘thrashing around’ from suspected baiting – The Courier Mail (15 September 2020)
Aussies are being urged to ask QLD Health and APVMA for a review into the use of a deadly poison – The Courier Mail (6 October 2020)
Council ban on poison use welcomed – The Blue Mountains Gazette (18 March 2021)
‘Poison apple’: why dog owners need to avoid these tiny beads – Yahoo News (26 March 2021)
How Can I Help?
As early as 1954, supporters of its use began to claim that “smear campaigns” were being concocted by Australians against 1080 poison. The same cynical rhetoric is used today to downplay the legitimate concerns of Australians citizens. The truth is that it is a choice to use 1080. We can choose not to be cruel.
Join the Battle
You can join the battle to ban 1080 by becoming a member of the Coalition, sharing resources and information with friends, colleagues and family, or starting a chapter of the Coalition in your community. Visit www.ban1080.org.au to start today.
Share Your Story
An increasing number of Australians have reached out to us with their devastating stories about losing a beloved companion animal to 1080 Poison. We share these stories on social media, to raise awareness about the cruel and indiscriminate poison.
If you would like to share your companion’s story, contact us here.
Join an Action Group
Animal Liberation is part of the Coalition is Australia, which is the only dedicated organisation committed to banning 1080 nationwide. You can get active by joining or forming a regional action group today.
Please contact the Coalition to see if there is an Action Group in your area.Please contact the Coalition to see if there is an Action Group in your area.