California has passed a groundbreaking law severely limiting the use of anticoagulant rodenticides in the state. Thanks to this new legislation, these dangerous poisons will now be heavily restricted, protecting targeted animals such as rats and mice as well as other wild animals.

The Poison-Free Wildlife Act, or AB 2552, was signed into law by Governor Newsom in September and will take effect January 1, 2025. This is a win for the rats and mice who have suffered far too long from these cruel poisons. Thanks to your support, California is leading the way in protecting animals from the slow, agonizing deaths caused by anticoagulants, which prevent blood from clotting. Although rats and mice are generally the targeted species of these poisons, they have been responsible for harming countless other animals, from mountain lions to birds of prey, and even animal companions.

This legislation builds on previous efforts to protect animals from harmful rodenticides. The state first passed a moratorium on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in 2020.  It then passed AB 1322, which added diphacinone to the existing list of banned rodenticides at the start of 2024. Now, with the passing of AB 2552, all anticoagulant rodenticides will be included in this ban, continuing the progress toward a safer environment for all animals. This progress is the direct result of dedicated advocacy and the tireless efforts of supporters like you. 

We couldn’t have done this without you! Your voice helped make this victory possible. With your continued support, In Defense of Animals will keep working to ban these poisons nationwide and fight for even more protections for rodents and other wild animals in the future. Check out what else In Defense of Animals is working on to protect Wild Animals, and consider getting involved with our other Wild Animal campaigns. Together, we are saving lives and moving toward a more compassionate world for all.