Bill to Ban Deadly Compound 1080 & M-44s Is Now on Doorstep of Congress

Photo of dog likely poisoned by Compound 1080

Brooks Fahy (l) & Dennis &
Dorothy Slaugh (r) meet with
Representative Peter DeFazio
on Capital Hill in June 2008.
Dennis is suffering severe, long-
term health affects from M-44
poisoning. About the bill


Our legislation to protect humans and pets on both private and public lands should be introduced in 2010

December 2009 - In the past few years we have garnered significant Congressional support for our bill to ban Compound 1080 and M-44s—two deadly agents that indiscriminately harm and kill wildlife, pets and people. While we were poised to have Congressman Peter DeFazio introduce the bill in 2009, due to several factors, including the Congressional debate on health care, we asked him to hold off on introducing it until early 2010.

We are extremely excited about our chances of finally passing this legislation. One big difference this time around is the invaluable help of a coalition we’ve built with environmental organizations. They are backing our efforts with their expertise and seasoned political strategists. We’ll keep you posted.

Learn why we need this legislation

Working Around the Country and Across the Globe

It is important for people to remember that this bill has gone far beyond the purview of the USDA's Wildlife Services. For two decades, Predator Defense has been working with activists in New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania, and in Africa and South America to bring about a worldwide ban on Compound 1080.

In June 2008 our executive director, Brooks Fahy, traveled to Washington, D.C., to gain Congressional support for this legislation. To provide a first-hand account of acute sodium cyanide poisoning by an M-44, Dennis and Dorothy Slaugh of Vernal, Utah accompanied Brooks on the trip. Dennis was poisoned in 2004 when he pulled on an M-44 that he mistook for a survey marker. Dennis is still plagued by severe health problems stemming from the poisoning. His description of this experience brought more than one Congressional staff member to tears. Dennis’ story was featured in the January 2008 issue of Men’s Journal, America’s Secret War on Wildlife, and reported in newspapers across the country.

Predator Defense covered all expenses for Dennis and Dorothy to travel Washington. Their presence put a human face on the danger posed by M-44s. Through this effort, and those of other groups and individuals, we got 35 Representatives to co-sponsored the bill. While on Capitol Hill, we also met Representative Salazar, D-CO, who had urged all members of the House, via a "Dear Colleague" letter, not to support the bill. After our meeting we were reassured that he would offer no additional opposition.

Learn More About the Bill

We encourage you to learn more about the bill below, follow the links to a wealth of information on M-44 cyanide devices and Compound 1080 poison, and take action in every way you can.

Compound 1080 Suspected in Dog's Death

Photo of Bea, a dog who likely died from Compound 1080

May 2008 - Brooke and Cliff Everest of Bozeman, MT, lost their beloved dog, an American Brittany named Bea, whiile on a rafting trip on the White River in Utah. Bea suffered the agonizing and classic symptoms of Compound 1080 poisoning after an encounter with a sheep carcass. Read press release and letter from owners.

How You Can Help

With your help—writing letters, making phone calls, or making a donation—we can ban these deadly agents:



Resources

History of Bill