Animal Ethics paper - a must read!

Whether you support 1080, or abhor it, this short scientific analysis on the humaneness of 1080, is a must read!

It was part of the ERMA review, like many other important papers, but mattered little, like so many other important papers.

However, the statement in the Discussion section is worthy of comment....

"The Application for the Reassessment of 1080 indicates that 1080 brings
significant benefits to other species, especially at the population level, and to
livestock health, without significant environmental risks."....

This comment is consistent with unfounded statements supporting the use of 1080, in the ERMA review. The truth is, there is not a single credible, scientific study that shows a net population benefit to any native species through the use of aerially applied 1080 poison. And conversely, the evidence points to much harm being done.

Please click on the link above.

A SCIENTIFIC APPRAISAL - A MUST READ

In 2007, two highly qualified scientists submitted an appraisal to the ERMA review on the use of 1080 poison in New Zealand. Taking over 6 months of their time to complete, WITHOUT remuneration, this work was a gift of great value to New Zealand, and should be acknowledged as such.

If you are interested, or concerned, about the use of 1080 in New Zealand, and would like to engage in the debate with a better understanding of the science supporting its use - then PLEASE click on the link below, and read through these scientists appraisal. But be warned, it is disturbing.......

It was about 2006, when the Department of Conservation informed these two retired scientists, (now naturalised Kiwi's, retired and living on the Coromandel Peninsula),
that aerial 1080 was used in New Zealand forests to control possums.
Up until then, these scientists had little interest in 1080, or how it was used. It was when the DoC agent informed them that 1080 was a species specific poison (killing only possums and rats) that their interest was ignited - as this was an extraordinary claim.

Dr. Quinn Whiting-Okeefe was an Associate Professor at the University of California, and specialised in scientific study design and evaluation.

Dr. Pat Whiting-Okeefe was an Associate Professor at San Francisco State University.

Both Whiting-Okeefe scientists appear in the Poisoning Paradise - Ecocide New Zealand documentary.

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK, AND READ THE APPRAISAL......

http://www.kaka1080.co.nz/aerial_monofluoroacetate.pdf

"A very impressive piece of work," says consent hearing commissioner.

HOT OFF THE CHRISTCHURCH PRESS
24 June 2009

Officials wanting to drop 1080 poison on a scenic reserve in Marlborough have been shown a hard-hitting documentary detailing its impact.

The documentary, Poisoning Paradise Ecocide in New Zealand, was shown during a resource consent hearing in Blenheim.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) wants to drop the poison on Isolated Hill Scenic Reserve as part of possum-control operations. The area crosses Marlborough and Canterbury and includes Sawcut Gorge, a popular day-walk.

Seven officials from DoC, the Animal Health Board, Landcare Research, the Marlborough District Council and Environment Canterbury watched the documentary. It was submitted in evidence by Marlborough resident Lloyd Hanson, who argued against the air drop.

"I haven't got `Doctor' in front of my name, but I still think I've got relevant points to make,'' he said. "They (DoC) are not acting in the best interests of the environment. They do not give a stuff.''

The documentary shows falcons and other birds dying, freshwater crayfish fighting over submerged 1080 pellets, deer and pigs rotting in creeks, eels eating dead animals in waterways, and dying stock.

DoC has previously criticised the work of film-makers Clyde and Steve Graf, pointing out a lack of scientific background. However, hearing commissioner Murray Hunt congratulated the Grafs, describing the film as "a very impressive piece of work."

DoC's legal representative at the hearing, Rachel Ennor, called it a "powerful'' film.
She initially tried to prevent it being shown at the hearing, but later said she wasn't concerned about it being shown. "I think it's important to assess the information within it to assess that information that relates to the question in front of us today is the key.''

Earlier, Ennor reminded the hearing the Environmental Risk Management Authority had sanctioned the continued use of 1080 in 2007 after an exhaustive inquiry.

Animal Health Board national disease control manager Kevin Crews described the film as thought-provoking. "There are a lot of things there that I have to go away and think about. I've taken note of a lot of references I'd like to go back and have a look at."

He continued, "I've noted things there about some of the hormonal effects. Again, it would be interesting to see the basis for all of that. Not saying that there is anything in it, but one needs to keep an open mind to some things and go and have a look at them.''

Hunt has 15 days to make a decision on the proposed Isolated Hill drop.

Who else wants to see this newspaper headline about 1080?

In July 2008, after seven out of 29 kea were killed in one area in a 1080 poison operation, our parliamentarians debated the wisdom of using a lethal poison that threatens a wide range of wildlife. Steve Chadwick insisted that DoC constantly reviews their biosecurity and that ERMA had recently conducted a review that concluded 1080 poison is the best pest control method available.

Strange isn't it then that ERMA had made its mind up about the fate of 1080 before independent scientists, conservation, recreation and community groups had been given the opportunity to give their evidence in the review? News media reported the leaked information about their decision weeks before individuals and groups were due to be heard.

There has been a change of government since July 2008, so perhaps it's time for John Key and his team to have another look at the facts. At a time of economic downturn, when the government is focused on a jobs summit, do you reckon it would be wise to focus on pest control options that encourage tourism, provide jobs and promote clean, green exports? We have sent him a copy of our documentary. Now might be a good time for you to email his parliamentary secretary at emma.holmes@parliament.govt.nz asking him for a 1080 ban.

Can't wait to see that newspaper headline!