Poisons used to Control Birds

American's love simple solutions. Spray this, spray that and life's problems become solved instantly. While WDC does not reject the role of poisons for bird control per se, we do believe that people need to be aware of the potential dangers of its use. Here is some information about poisons and birds.

EPA Pesticide Program Update

PRESS ADVISORY

2)Tennessee Man Arrested, Indicted For Pesticide Poisoning Of Birds

Donald Ray Keel of Trezevant, Tenn., was arrested on July 22, 2002. He was indicted on July 18 for allegedly violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by baiting deer carcasses with the pesticide aldicarb. Nine hawks were killed when they ate deer flesh that the defendant is alleged to have poisoned for the purpose of killing the birds. Aldicarb is a highly toxic pesticide which can present a significant risk to humans and wildlife through either direct contact with a poisoned animal or by inhalation. Keel has previously served six months in federal prison after being convicted of a similar offense. The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA's Criminal Investigation Division and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's office in Memphis. An indictment is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

8/7/02