What the consult is about:​

• There are currently three poisons used to kill large vertebrate predators (specifically: wolves, coyotes and black bears) in Canada: strychnine, sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080), and sodium cyanide.  All three are being used in Alberta, and federal permits for use can be applied for from any province/territory.

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• For the purpose of this consultation, the focus is limited to questions surrounding humaneness - if and how to address this ethical obligation when it comes to pesticides.

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• Alberta is the only province to use all three of these cruel and reckless poisons. 

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• Alberta continues to use strychnine in the Little Smoky area (targeting wolves) this winter despite recommendations made in 2018 by Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency to stop the use of 2% liquid strychnine due to the dangers it poses.  Strychnine in the predacidal dose used each winter in the Little Smoky since 2005 is much more potent and deadly, yet Alberta has its head in the (oil) sand(s) when it comes to concerns raised about this unethical management practice.

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• Compound 1080 and strychnine are widely acknowledged as inhumane methods of killing animals due to the intensity and duration of the suffering they cause. Animals that ingest it can suffer excruciating pain for several hours; even days before finally losing consciousness.   Sodium cyanide is faster acting, but the severity of pain and anxiety experienced by victims is still highly unacceptable to be considered a method of responsible wildlife management.

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Decision-makers your letter is being sent to:

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