Residential Poisoning of Cottontail Rabbits Banned in Orange County

Animal Protection Institute
Tuesday, 10 July 2001

ORANGE COUNTY -- The poisoning of cottontail rabbits in gated communities and golf courses in Orange County has been prohibited by the Dept. of Pesticide Regulation as of June 16, 2001. As a result, now withdrawn is a suit filed by the Animal Protection Institute and In Defense of Animals on April 12 in Superior Court which sought enforcement of provisions of the California Code of Regulations that prohibit poisoning of cottontail rabbits. Under the new rules, cottontails can be taken by the poison Diphacinone in Orange County only in connection with agricultural production.

The use of Diphacinone -- a rodent bait poison being used to kill the cottontails -- had been criticized because of questions regarding the legality of its use in residential areas and because Diphacinone poses serious potential health risks. Diphacinone reduces blood clotting and eventually causes death due to internal bleeding. It is toxic to humans, domestic animals, fish, birds, and other wildlife. In their suit, activists claim that the carcasses of poisoned cottontails have been carelessly and negligently left to be discovered by children or companion animals.

"Obviously, we're pleased by the changes," said Nicole Paquette, Government Affairs Coordinator for the Animal Protection Institute. "It's time that Orange County moved into this century and adopted less dangerous, non-lethal methods of control. Updating the labeling instructions for use of Diphacinone is a step in the right direction."

"Killing cottontails while putting ourselves at risk for the sake of landscaping and ornamental shrubs was clearly a lose-lose situation for everyone," says Bill Dyer, the Southern California representative of In Defense of Animals. "We urge California Fish & Game to issue a statement further clarifying its position on the use of poison to kill cottontails to avoid any future problems."

While labeling instructions for the use of Diphacinone have been changed, no official statement has been forthcoming from State officials prior to issuing this release despite repeated requests for clarification.

For more information, or to contact Animal Protection Institute, see their website at: www.api4animals.org