Rat poisons may be banned under bold new plan from the Greens

Victoria could soon be the first state to outlaw the sale of some rat poisons in a bid to protect native birds, animals and pets.

Some rat poisons would be banned from supermarket shelves in Victoria under a bold new plan from the Greens to protect native birds, animals and pets.

The Agriculture Legislation Amendment Bill, which has bipartisan support, is being debated in the upper house of parliament this week to address concerns around food safety, biodiversity, chemical use and veterinary practice.

But the Greens want the legislation to be extended to also include a ban on the sale of second generation rodent poisons in supermarkets and hardware stores.

If supported, Victoria would be the first Australian state to outlaw the sale of some products.

These poisons can currently be bought off the shelf at places like Woolworths and Bunnings.

The rat poisons are available in supermarkets and hardware stores.

Unlike first-generation rodent poisons, they contain blood-thinning chemicals which can lead to secondary poisoning of native eagles, owls, and other wildlife when they prey on rats and mice who have previously ingested the toxins.

Under the proposed statewide ban, farmers would still be able to purchase the toxins when required.

It would follow a similar measure in Europe, which has banned the sale of the rodent poisons unless people carry a special licence that allows them to purchase the products.

Deputy leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell, said banning the sale of dangerous poisons in supermarkets and hardware stores is a “simple fix”.

Ellen Sandell says the ban would help protect animals. Picture: AAP

Ms Sandell said following suit in Victoria would help protect countless native birds and animals across the state, as well as pet cats and dogs who may eat poisoned rats and mice.

“At a time when Victoria is facing an extinction crisis, we should be doing all we can to protect our precious animals,” she said.

“Every year, countless native birds, mammals and pet cats and dogs are poisoned due to eating mice and rats that have ingested dangerous poisons you can buy at the supermarket.

“These dangerous rat poisons should not be for sale at supermarkets and hardware stores, and many countries have already banned them.

“I urge the Labor government and the upper house to support the Greens amendments to ban these poisons and protect our precious wildlife.”

Agriculture Victoria is working with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), which is undertaking a review of second-generation rodenticides.

This is currently in the assessment phase, with a proposal for regulatory decision expected in 2024.

A Victorian government spokeswoman said they will follow the advice of the independent authority and support any changes with education and advice on correct use.

“The Victorian government acknowledges the emerging concerns about risks associated with second generation rodenticides,” she said.

“That’s why Agriculture Victoria has been working with the national regulatory body, which is undertaking a review of these products.”

Upper house MPs will vote on the amendment on Thursday.

Originally published as Rat poisons may be banned under bold new plan from the Greens