RSPCA Australia recognises the need to control introduced species, such as the fox, to reduce both environmental and agricultural impacts. However, we argue that the control methods used should be as humane as possible. The RSPCA has conducted a review of the available science on the humaneness of the effect of 1080 and the evidence indicates that 1080 is not a humane poison. However, we acknowledge that in many circumstances there is currently no alternative effective control method available.
The RSPCA is campaigning for further research into alternatives to 1080 so that it can be phased out and replaced with more humane alternatives, once these are identified. We are closely monitoring the research into a new type of lethal bait containing para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) which is being developed to target wild dogs and foxes without affecting other species. Further information on this research can be found here:
http://www.invasiveanimals.com/research/goals/goal-1/1t3/.
While 1080 continues to be used, RSPCA Australia advocates that any baiting programs are carried out in accordance with the codes of practice (COPs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) produced by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and funded by the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage. Copies of the COPs and SOPs are available at the following site: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/vertebrate-pests/codes/humane-pest-animal-control
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