We’re thrilled to report that Governor Newsom signed the California Ecosystems Protection Act, AB 1322, into law! Starting January 1, 2024, the toxic rat poison diphacinone will be added to the existing list of banned rodenticides until further evaluation. This is a huge victory for a myriad of animals, including mice, owls, hawks, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, rats, bobcats, and mountain lions!

Diphacinone is the most frequently detected first-generation rodenticide poison found in predatory wild animals. In California, over 29 species of predators from bears to barn owls have been exposed to rodenticides. Studies in the Santa Monica Mountains show that 94 percent of mountain lions, 92 percent of bobcats, and 83 percent of coyotes tested positive for rat poison. Unless treated, these predators can die from accumulated poisons or secondary infections like mange. Animal companions and children tragically die from consuming rodenticides as well.

Anticoagulant rodenticides kill animals who unknowingly consume them by prohibiting their blood from clotting and causing horrific suffering as they bleed internally to death. These poisons cause slow painful deaths to target animals like rats and mice and can cause second-degree poisoning to predators. Target animals can live up to three weeks after consuming the poison as they weaken and become easy prey. Killing the natural predators of rodents causes an imbalanced ecosystem and an artificial need for more poison, which benefits the poison manufacturers and control operators.

Human-rodent conflicts can be easily resolved through non-lethal methods. Prevention is the most effective method and includes solutions as simple as proper waste disposal, food storage, and ensuring buildings are sealed. Rodent birth control methods have also proven to be effective in some situations. Rodenticides are an outdated killing method that cause immense suffering to all who encounter it.

We’ve been involved in banning rodenticides since the first rodenticide legislation passed in 2020. We joined coalition meetings, testified at hearings, sent letters, made calls, and more. Thanks to all of our supporters who signed our alerts, including our most recent one on this topic, and sent letters to their California legislators. You have literally saved the lives of countless wild animals in the state!

Please contact us for help to ban rodenticides in your area at wildanimals@idausa.org.  

Support our work to ban rodenticides nationwide by making a donation today.