Illegal use of pesticides remains a hazard to wildlife

The annual report of the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme, published today by Defra, shows that the abuse of pesticides - deliberately and illegally using them as poisons - continues to present a much bigger hazard to wildlife and pets than legitimate use.

Despite continuing to show a falling trend of reporting wildlife and pet poisoning incidents, figures highlight the importance of using pesticides correctly and the need for the public to be vigilant of suspected poisoning incidents.

The number of incidents reported in 2002 was higher than that for 2001. This is because the 2001 figures were reduced as a result of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak.

Each year, incidents involving pesticides are assigned to one of three categories.

- Approved use: where the use of the product has been in line with

statutory conditions of use

- Abuse: the deliberate attempt to poison animals illegally

- Misuse:careless, accidental or wilful failure to adhere to correct

practice

Key results from the report are:

- A total of 450 incidents were reported, (up from 346 in 2001 but

down from 506 in 2000). 131 of these were confirmed as being caused

by pesticides (109 in 2001, 162 in 2000);

- There were 6 reported incidents arising from approved use of

pesticides (up from 3 in 2001 but down from 16 in 2000);

- 78 incidents were reported as a result of deliberate abuse of

pesticides (down from 81 in 2001 and down from 95 in 2000);

- 20 incidents were reported as a result of misuse of pesticides (up

from 7 in 2001 but down from 23 in 2000)

- 25 cases were reported in which the cause could not be reliably

assigned to a particular category.

The Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme is supported by an awareness raising scheme the Campaign Against Illegal Poisoning of Wildlife. This supports the investigation of suspected incidents of deliberate abuse and can lead to prosecution of offenders. It also advises farmers and land managers on legal ways of controlling pests and encourages the public to respect these legal methods and to report illegal poisoning activities.

Next year, the campaign will focus on the hazards of illegal poisoning to pet cats and dogs, including working dogs, with exhibitions, mail shots and posters.

Information on the Campaign can be found at the following Website:

www.pesticides.gov.uk/citizen/caip.new.htm

Suspected incidents of pesticide poisoning of animals can be reported on freephone 0800 321 600.