Hi
I live in a block of flats in Otley,and there all manner of bird species feeding in the trees and shrubs that
surround the flats,as well as the bird tables and feeders that the tenants have installed.
Unfortunately the food that falls to the ground has attracted the local rats.
At the last count I saw four at one time and they don`t seem to be too shy about running around at the back of
the premises. The Housing Association that owns the Flats, have on at least two occations previously,
sent Rentokill to lay poisoned grain down to kill the rats.These grains ended up along the base of a wall
quite open for all birdlife to eat.
Are they allowed to put down this poisened grain knowing ALL WILDLIFE will eat it?
Hi Angler
The poison should be well covered
Probably worth telling the rentokil man, but if you complain to the housing association they may well stop you feeding the birds.
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Rat control is usually carried out using poison bait such as warfarin of difenacoum, which must be set in a box or a tube or otherwise in such a way which minimises risk to other animals accessing bait. scattering the rat poison on the ground so that it is freely available is stricly illegal and should be reported to a Wildlife Crime Officer.
Tom
Why not check out the news from the wildlife enquiries team?
I would report this misuse of a rodenticide to the Poison Hotline 0800 321600 as it is very worrying indeed.
You can find more information about this issue here on the website for the Campaign Against Accidental or Illegal Poisoning.
You can read an interesting fact sheet about this issue here.
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
It is indeed worrying, and not just for the wildlife - cats, dogs and children are also at risk.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Hi Tom
The Rentokil officer told me he had placed the poisened grain in holes in the nearby wall,but later in the afternoon I could see something blue on the wall,and when I went outside I saw it was blue colured grain,and it was on the ground as well.
I will be monitoring any developments here.Thanks for yours and Ianh and Barnsley Lads advice.
Angler
If you have a camera it would be a good idea to have a photographic record of what has happened.
'In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks' John Muir.
Excuse wobbily dyslexic spelling!
If you follow ianH's advice you can mention the birds or not as this is potentially a more serious matter than just the birds - small blue sweeetie looking things in a public area where young children may find them is totally unacceptable, especially from a well established company such as rentokill.
Also I would suggest that you get photographic evidence (even a picture from a mobile phone), and present this with your report, I'm sure that If the people responsible for this illegal activity get wind of this they will clear their tracks, before any investigation can stop it happening again.
Best regardsNigel
| My Images | Newport Wetlands on Flickr @barman58