Illegal pesticide kills two dogs in Uralla
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is investigating the deaths of two domestic dogs who ingested baits poisoned with strychnine on private land near Uralla.
Strychnine is a highly dangerous pesticide which is classed as a schedule 7 substance under the Poisons and Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008.
EPA Director of Operations, Scott Kidd said strychnine has not been registered for use as a pesticide in NSW for many years.
“This is a horrific incident where owners were walking their dogs on their own land in the Rocky River area when they picked up what appeared to be pieces of meat, and sadly later died,” Mr Kidd said.
“A sample was provided for testing by the EPA and the presence of strychnine was confirmed.
“Unfortunately, despite enquiries by our officers we have been unable to determine who used the strychnine baits and from where the prohibited pesticide was sourced.
“It is a serious offence to acquire or use the chemical without appropriate authorisation and puts our environment and community at risk.
“We’re asking anyone with information about who might have supplied, manufactured, purchased or placed these baits to get in touch with the EPA.”
Strychnine is a naturally occurring pesticide that is used only in very specific circumstances for the control of birds, rodents and predatory animals in some Australian states.
The pesticide was used widely for wild dog control throughout Australia from the 1850s until the early 1980s. No products containing strychnine are currently registered for veterinary use in Australia by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
The EPA regulates the use of pesticides in NSW under provisions in the Pesticides Act 1999 (the Act) and the Pesticides Regulation 2017 (the Regulation). This regulation can include investigations, campaigns, fines and prosecutions to protect people and animals from being harmed by pesticides.
Unwilful or negligent use pesticides that harms any non-target animal or plant can attract penalties of up to $120,000 for an individual and $250,000 for a corporation.
Possessing or using an unregistered pesticide or using a pesticide contrary to the approved label can also trigger fines of up to a $60,000 for an individual and $120,000 for a corporation.
To lawfully dispose of AgVet chemicals, contact ChemClear on 1800 008 182.
Those with information should call the EPA’s 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555 or send a confidential email to [email protected].
For more information about preventing pesticide misuse, see the EPA website: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/pesticides/preventing-pesticide-misuse