End the Chemical War Against Wildlife

March 1, 2008

Animal Legal Defense Fund Having trouble viewing this email? Read it on our website or forward it to a friend by clicking this link: http://www.aldf.org/blog/index.php?id=69 Action Alert! End the Chemical War Against Wildlife In December 2007, H.R. 4775, the Compound 1080 and M-44 Elimination Act, was formally introduced before Congress by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.). The bill would prohibit the manufacture, processing and distribution of Compound 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) – a highly-concentrated, odorless, tasteless, colorless poison with no antidote – by requiring that the Secretary of Agriculture catalog, collect and destroy existing stockpiles during the 18 months following enactment. It would also prohibit all use of 1080 as well as the use of M-44s (sodium cyanide devices sometimes called "coyote getters") by federal agents on public or private lands. Following the 18-month period, possession of 1080 would be punishable criminally. Compound 1080, which was outlawed in 1972 but was legalized by the EPA in the mid-80’s, torturously and indiscriminately kill countless animals every year at taxpayer

expense. The USDA’s Wildlife Services – formerly known as Animal Damage Control – which reportedly traps, shoots or poisons over 1.7 million animals a year, supplies 1080 in the form of pouches on sheep collars that, when punctured by predators such as coyotes and wolves, cause a very slow and deplorable death. But the carnage doesn’t stop there. Other species, such as bald eagles, may feast on the victims’ tainted carcasses and suffer the same effects. M-44s, veritable land mines that are placed on public and private land, often with little or no warning signage, kill or can seriously harm threatened and endangered species, companion animals and people. A long overdue EPA investigation into a case involving a Utah man who mistook an M-44 for a survey marker four years ago is just now getting underway. Compound 1080 and M-44s are cruel and

unnecessary because non-lethal livestock protection – adequate fencing, night penning and guard animals – is actually very effective. Ironically, killing coyotes, for which much of the poison is intended in the U.S., increases their numbers. Studies show that when dominant coyotes – the ones most likely to kill livestock – are slaughtered, the surviving coyotes increase hunting and may produce larger litters. Moreover, even the USDA admits that only a small percentage of livestock deaths are actually caused by predators; more die from disease or exposure. In addition, 1080 – which easily dissolves in water and is so toxic, according to scientists, that a teaspoonful can kill dozens of people – has potential bio-terrorism risks to water supplies and has been classified by the EPA as a male reproductive toxin. Predator Defense, an Oregon-based non-profit organization that has worked to stop this war on

wildlife for nearly two decades, is seeking at least 20 more U.S. representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 4775. Current co-sponsors are Representatives Steve Cohen (TN); Sam Farr (CA); Maurice Hinchey (NY); Dennis J. Kucinich (OH); James P. McGovern (MA); George Miller (CA); James P. Moran (VA); Janice D. Schakowsky (IL); Jose E. Serrano (NY); and Betty Sutton (OH). TAKE ACTION! Now is the time to speak up against these insidious poisons. Call or write your U.S. representative and ask him/her to co-sponsor the Compound 1080 and M-44 Elimination Act, H.R. 4775. For contact information and current status of the bill, visit: www.opencongress.org. For talking points,

visit ALDF's website here. Note: The bill has been referred to subcommittees under the House committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, and Judiciary. Once the member lists are available they will be posted at: www.opencongress.org. Please forward this eAlert to friends! For more information, contact: Predator Defense PO Box 5446 Eugene, OR 97405 Tel: 541-937-4261 Email: info www.predatordefense.org Letter Writing Tips can be found in the Resources section on our website. Visit our website for additionalActionline cases that need your attention! Support ALDF in our mission to win the case against cruelty. Donate today! Stay informed! Sign up for ALDF's eNewsletter. Animal Legal Defense Fund 170 East Cotati Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931 Phone: (707) 795-2533 • Fax: (707) 795-7280 E-mail: info •

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