New Coalition Launches to Promote Sustainable Rodent Management in DC
Washington, DC – DC Voters for Animals is launching a new coalition to advance sustainable solutions for rodent management that protect wildlife, pets, and public health. This effort comes in response to new research highlighting the pervasive dangers of rodenticides in DC’s ecosystem.
The Washington Post recently detailed the growing threat in the article, "Rat poison is sickening and killing D.C. wildlife, study finds." Rodenticides are known to impact other animals who are attracted to the bait such as squirrels and dogs, as well as animals who prey on poisoned animals such as eagles, cats, and opossums.
A study by City Wildlife found that more than 80% of squirrels, 86% of raptors (all of whom had multiple poisons in their system), and 100% of opossums tested positive for rodenticides.Dr Sarah Sirica, Clinic Director at City Wildlife summarizes the wildlife situation: “We started the study because we noticed a rapid increase in the number of patients coming in hemorrhaging and non-responsive. Most of them were dying, even with extensive treatments. Even so, we had no idea it would be this pervasive.”
Rodenticides harm our pets as well as wildlife. Dr. Patrick Hilson of the Veterinary Emergency Group addressed attendees of the DC Environmental Network’s monthly breakfast meeting, sharing that he sees at least one dog or cat victim of rat poison, and often several, each week. Treatment typically costs owners between $500-1,000 if they catch the pet eating the bait, and $5,000 and $10,000 in animals who are treated once symptomatic, with no guarantee of success. For the many owners who cannot afford such a bill, the animal dies or is euthanized.
Rodenticides are also a risk to human health—of the 12,000+ cases of rodenticide poisoning in humans in the US every year, more than 80% are children, with the large majority being children under 5.
“We can see with our own eyes that rodenticides are not working,” said Max Broad, Executive Director of DC Voters for Animals. “Rather than using ineffective and harmful band-aid solutions, we need to address the root causes of the problem without endangering innocent bystanders.”
A Sustainable Path Forward
The coalition will focus on waste management solutions as a key strategy for reducing rodent populations at the source. Strategies such as composting, securing trash bins, and frequent trash pickups are essential to long-term success in rodent control.
In collaboration with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local leaders, the coalition will:
Advocate for rodent reductions through policies that reduce reliance on rodenticides.
Promote sustainable and humane rodent control methods.
Raise public awareness about effective prevention strategies.
Support and complement ongoing DC government initiatives on rodent management.
Join the Movement
DC Voters for Animals invites community members, policymakers, and organizations to participate in this effort. Together, we can implement solutions that protect people, pets, and wildlife while effectively managing DC’s rodent population.
The first meeting of the Coalition will be on March 24 at 3PM over webinar.
For more information, to share tips or ideas, or to get involved, contact DC Voters for Animals.