Information about Bi-Partisan Legislation to Help Protect Animals and People — US HR 2471 — the Chemical Poisons Reduction Act of 2019:

In our December 25, 2019 letter to Friends of RCLA, accompanied by “The Christmas Coyote” we mentioned recently proposed legislation, the Chemical Poisons Reduction Act of 2019 (US HR 2471).

Note: If you did not receive our December 25, 2019 letter please let us know and we will make sure that you are sent a copy along with “The Christmas Coyote.”

Here are details about US HR 2471:

The Chemical Poisons Reduction Act of 2019 (US HR 2471) is legislation that prohibits the use of sodium fluoroacetate (aka compound 1080) and sodium cyanide (aka M-44) in a predator control device. This device can be a dispenser such as a livestock collar or a gas cartridge that propels, releases, or emits either chemical. (BillTrack50 on line)

Both 1080 and M44 have been banned for most pesticide uses but are currently allowed to be available in predator control devices.

Use of 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) and M44 (sodium cyanide) as predator control agents has led to the deaths of endangered animals, domesticated dogs and has injured multiple people in the past. (Rep Peter DeFazio Press Release 2019)

1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is a broad spectrum chemical, highly toxic to a range of species: birds, amphibians, carnivores (including pet dogs) and people. (Osweiler, Carson, Buck, Van Gelder, Clinical and Diagnostic Veterinary Toxicology, 1973).

Sodium fluoroacetate is one of the world’s most toxic chemicals and is lacking an antidote for treating its victims. (Osweiler, Carson, Buck, Van Gelder, Clinical and Diagnostic Veterinary Toxicology, 1973)

1080 can gain access by mouth, through breathing it in and through cut or broken skin. (Osweiler, Carson, Buck, Van Gelder, Clinical and Diagnostic Veterinary Toxicology, 1973)

Sodium fluoroacetate can cause damage to the nervous system, heart, kidney, thyroid gland, and has produced delayed convulsions in its victims. Its registration was suspended in the early 1970s by the newly created USEPA. (Briggs, S., Basic Guide to Pesticides, 1992)

Sodium fluroacetate (1080) was re-registered by the USEPA in 1985 after intense lobbying from the livestock industry. (Rep Peter DeFazio Press Release 2019)

An inventory of cattle and sheep found that less than 1% (0.4% died from any type of carnivore including coyotes, domestic dogs and cougars. Data shows that the primary causes of cattle and sheep deaths in the U.S. are health problems, weather, theft and other maladies.(Rep Peter DeFazio Press Release 2019)

US Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL) co-sponsor of HR 2471 has stated: “Cyanide bombs have no place on public land. These dangerous devices threaten animals and humans alike. Better and more humane predator control tools and techniques already exist. “…This is common-sense bipartisan legislation, which will enhance public safety across America.” (Rep Peter DeFazio Press Release 2019)

If along with RCLA, and others you favor HR 2471, we recommend that you contact your representatives urging them to join us as supporters of this bipartisan legislation during the 2019-2020 House of Representatives session.