How Animal Farming Hurts Free-Living Animals
- 04
- Jul
The Impact of Animal Agriculture on Wildlife
Imagine your confusion and horror if, while walking on federal public lands, your dog stumbles across a device that looks like a sprinkler. Orange powder sprays all over your dog. That powder is sodium cyanide and it creates lethal hydrogen cyanide gas upon contact with moisture, resulting in a rapid and painful death.
This scenario has played out hundreds of times with companion dogs in the last 10 years, the most recent victim being the dog of a 14 year old boy in Idaho[1]. The “sprinkler”? An M-44 cyanide trap laid by the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services in an effort to control the population of wildlife species, all using taxpayer dollars.
M-44s are placed on public lands, often without public notice, with the goal of killing coyotes and other wild canids often to protect animals exploited for animal agriculture from predation[2]. The “bite and pull” method by which they are deployed is indiscriminate, and often the “incidental” victim of an M-44 is a non-predatory species, a companion animal, typically dogs, or a human[3]. Additional example of Wildlife Services’ cruel practices include aerial depredation, or harassing and shooting wild animals from helicopters, and wire traps that maim any animal they catch, leading to an agonizing and slow death[4].
The rationale for USDA Wildlife Services’ work is that the threat to animal agriculture exceeds the costs and risks of “predator control”. There is little empirical evidence to support this claim. In addition to a Livestock Indemnity Program that compensates producers for animals killed by wildlife[5], there are many inexpensive, proactive, and non-lethal methods of protecting herds and flocks from predators[6]. Ironically, predator species encroach upon ranches and farms because they have been driven out of their habitats and their ecological niches destroyed by pollution and deforestation caused by animal agriculture.
Wildlife Services’ methods kill more animals, many of whom are threatened or endangered, points to their ineffectiveness[3]. Add to these cruel methods of population control the fact that more and more scientific reports conclude that Wildlife Services causes environmental harm through lost biodiversity and disrupted ecological systems[7]. In the words of Kelly Nokes, an advocate with WildEarth Guardians, “The federal government has a paramount duty to protect people and wildlife from deadly poisons that unnecessarily endanger the public, wildlife and companion animals”[8]. There is no justification for or benefit from the USDA Wildlife Services’ taxpayer funded, ineffective, non-transparent, and unaccountable war on wildlife.
While USDA Wildlife Services has historically been influenced by the power of corporate animal agriculture and hunting lobbies in what programs they choose to operate and how[9], the fact remains that they rely on taxpayer dollars to operate those programs. As a taxpayer and American citizen, you have the power to declare Wildlife Services’ practices unjust and to demand change.
It will take a change in federal law, a federal legal injunction, or a determination by the USDA to temporarily or permanently stop the use of M-44 cyanide traps. There is currently an indefinite ban in Idaho, a temporary injunction in Colorado, and a temporary ban in six Oregon counties. Additionally, several activist organizations are suing to implement a nationwide legal ban via the federal court system while other organizations are introducing federal legislation[10, 11]. But there is still a need for civic action.
The first step is to contact your federal representatives and demand that Wildlife Services find non-lethal and environmentally sound methods of population control. The work of Wildlife Services has continued unabated because it is successfully hidden from wide scale public view, but putting pressure on representatives will help make this a legislative priority. You can find your House Representative here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative and your Senators here: https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm.
Going vegan and encouraging others to do the same will reduce the demand for animal products. As the market shrinks, fewer ranchers and farmers will request that Wildlife Services kill predators to protect herds and flocks. A switch to plant-based agriculture will also hopefully lessen the environmental impacts that pressure wildlife into conflict with humans. That being said, “pest” management on plant-based farms can be harmful and lethal to wildlife as well, so it is important to contact farms and ask them about their handling of wild animals, like rats, mice, and birds. Financially supporting farms and companies focused on feeding the world in truly sustainable and ethical fashions will be critical in protecting our health, animals, the environment, and the future.
[1] Bump, Philip. “A Dog in Idaho Was Killed by a Cyanide Trap Laid by the U.S. Government.” TheWashington Post, 21 March 2017, www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/03/21/a-dog-in-idaho-was-killed-by- -cyanide-trap-laid-by-the-u-s-government/?utm_term=.4783bdb000ba.
[2] United States, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services. “M-44 Device for Predator Control.” June 2017. www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/wildlife_damage/fs-m44-device.pdf.
[3] Knudson, Tom. “The killing agency: Wildlife Services’ brutal methods leave a trail of animal death.” The Sacramento Bee, 8 October 2014, http://www.sacbee.com/news/investigations/wildlife-investigation/article2574599.html.
[4] Bale, Rachel. “This Government Program’s Job Is to Kill Wildlife.” National Geographic, 12 February 2016, https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/02/160212-Wildlife-Services-predator-control-livestock-trapping-hunting/.
[5] United States, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency. “Livestock Indemnity Program.”October 2017. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/2017/lip_fact_s heet_oct2017.pdf
[6] Project Coyote. (n.d.). Nonlethal Solutions to Reduce Conflicts: Helping Livestock and Predator to Coexist. Retrieved from http://www.projectcoyote.org/programs/ranching_with_wildlife/nonlethal-solutions-reduce-conflicts/
[7] The Humane Society of the United States. (2016). Wildlife Disservice: The USDA Wildlife Services’ Inefficient and Inhumane Wildlife Damage Management Program (Rep.). Retrieved from http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/wildlife/wildlife-services-white-paper-2015.pdf
[8] Project Coyote. (2017, August 10). Conservationists Seek Nationwide Ban on Wildlife-killing M-44 ‘Cyanide Bombs’ [Press release]. Retrieved from http://www.projectcoyote.org/conservationists-seek-nationwide-ban-wildlife-killing-m-44-cyanide-bombs/
[9] Predator Defense. (n.d.). The USDA’s War on Wildlife. Retrieved from https://www.predatordefense.org/USDA.htm
[10] Theen, Andrew. “Environmental groups petition EPA to ban cyanide devices linked to wolf death.” The Oregonian, 10 August 2017 http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2017/08/environmental_groups_petition.html.
[11] The Chemical Poisons Reduction Act of 2017, H.R. 1817, 115th Congress (2017).
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92 Responses so far.
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This disgusting practice has no place in a civilized society! This is “their” [the animals] world too! Oh…and just in case you are wondering, I’m NOT a liberal; I’m a conservative voter and a state government worker with two college degrees, so I also have a brain!!!
A young Idaho boy lost his dog to this barbaric practice! And, the public doesn’t even know about this? What else don’t we know about that you’re doing???
Yes. No poison on public land. And why doesn’t the public hear more about these things?
The use of cyanide traps to kill coyotes is deplorable and the use of M-44 with no warning signs shows a blatant disregard for human beings. I do not want my tax dollars used for such an inhumane practice. Please find an alternate means of handling the coyote problem.
I agree with you on this issue. The only thing worse was the claw traps. Wish we could ban all the metal traps too.
This is horrible!! Stop!!
What a horrible practice. Why is our Government killing animals instead of protecting them. And such a horrible death. Please, please halt this practice.
Please let Wildlife Services find non-lethal and environmentally sound methods of population control.
Our gov’t in action again – what Trumpian is in charge? – despicable -Trump and his minions are deconstructing our wonderful nation – they must be stopped – sound off and vote whenever/wherever you can.
I find this practice disturbing however blaming the president for something that has been in practice years before he took office is not helpful.
This is a horrible idea with no real remedy! A painful death that’s caused by humans has no place in society. It could just as easily be someone’s child as someone’s pet!! Please discontinue the use of this cruel method to control wildlife before it’s TOO LATE!!
Cruell and totally uncalled for!
God did not intend for his animal creation to be treated with such careless cruelty!!
Amen!! Stop the insanity!
Public lands should be for the benefit of the public, not private interests.
HOW CAN US GOVT DO THIS ON GOVT LAND AND PARKS AS THAT IS NOT WAY TO TREAT ANY ANIMAL OR HAPLESS PERSON MAYBE THAT COULD COME ACROSS THE DEVICE!!
I can’t believe that it isn’t illegal to place a dangerous object like those without a sign next to it…Coyotes can’t read signs…that wouldn’t change their effectiveness…and would at least warn people that that was happening.
Please!! Stop inmediatwly the use of M-44 cyanide traps
How can anyone be so cruel! Its just being a monster!
Population “control” through murder is NOT population control – it is the unnecessary killing of animals, not all of them the intended “targets” – this is IMMORAL – and, we are supposedly a “Christian” nation?
Have you no heart or compassion for any living thing ~
I suspect that, also, includes people. There is a correlation between violence and how people treat animals.
I am sickened and appalled that we allow this in our shared wild places. Shameful.
I believe there should be a nationwide ban on M44 cyanide traps.
I ask you to support a nationwide ban.
D Bullock, I think you are right. thank you
Shocking! This has to stop and a law passed. The things that happen are just so cruel and governments do t care at all.
This is sick
Cyanide canisters and traps should be outlawed throughout the US. They are cruel and inhumane, as well as indiscriminate killers
this stupid practice must be stopped.
Stop poisoning MY land and animals with MY money!!!
This is such a inhuman practice and obviously not thought out there are just so many things that can and have gone wrong . They have to be removed before more animals and people suffer
it should stop
Please stop this horrifically cruel practice. Wildlife is precious and an important part of our history and survival here, this suffering is not acceptable.
The government, hunters, BLM all have one goal in mind – to terminate domestic and wild animals! All animal lovers throughout the world must stop this inhumane practice and all forms of sterilization practices to kill and reduce animals population.
Why doesn’t the government control human population?
Stop this now!
This is cruel and should not be allowed to be done. You are killing animals that are loved and wanted. The wild animals you seem to want to kill probably aren’t hurting anything either! Using my tax dollars to fund this is wrong! I am not ok with this at all! This needs to be stopped!
Horrid, inhumane practice murders helpless animals!! Stop allowing this!
No poisons on federal land
Must be stopped. For our Animals and our lives
I had no idea this is happening, this is America and I hope we set an example better than this. uncalled for, barbaric,
Is our govt nuts?? They have stopped to an all time low. What if a human comes in contact with this device? This is inhumane practices and needs to be stopped ASAP!!!!
This practice is ridiculous and unnecessary.
Stop it
Please stop the torture, suffering and death of innocent lives under the pretense of saving lives!!! All creatures matter and deserve respect and protection; not just the ones you used and abused to fill greedy hands and line dirty pockets!!
This news is horrendous. There is so much going on in this country that we do not know about.
This is an insane practice and must be stopped before someones kid get killed by one of these landmines
Please end this terrible method of indiscriminately killing and causing suffering to innocent lives!
Humans are evil and disgusting! Where did humans learn to be so cruel to innocent animals? We are a civilized world and there is no reason to abuse and torture any animal. Just because they cannot speak doesn’t mean they become prey just because we have the ability. I want tough laws to stop this cruelty and protection for these animals to put these foul sub humans in jail. Stop this cruelty now!
THE government is OUT OF CONTROL as usual. Complete BRAINDEAD practice, no regard for pain, suffering and torture
STOP THE KILLING!!!!!!!!!!!
compassion for animals is a must!
This practice is absolutely disgusting!! It needs to stop NOW! I can’t believe it was ever put into practice in the first place. Sometimes you have to wonder what the people responsible for these practices were thinking!!
It’s become disgustingly obvious that all facets of our government have subscribed to exceptionally cruel and vile practices to justify animal cruelty. All the other deaths are simply collateral damage. Small wonder Americans have so little faith in their government.
This just mean & cruel this needs to be stopped right now immediately. No animal deserves this kind of mistreatment.
We need to stop this practice immediately.
This is horrendous and dangerous! Stop killing innocent animals and using our taxpayer money for your devious endeavors!!
PLEASE STOP.
Are you kidding me? How despicable. Something needs to be done asap.
STOP!!!!!!!
I vehemently object to MY tax dollars being spent to perpetuate this obsolete organization. USDA/Wildlife Services an abhorrent. non-scientific,antiquated organization that must be stopped. Eliminating predator species by haphazard, lethal methods that kill MANY non-target species is ineffective in addressing the root problems of poor and negligent livestock management. It has been proven over and over that by killing the alpha coyote pair the other pack members reproduce at higher levels, ultimately INCREASING the coyote population in a particular area. Abolish this group.
This is thoughtless, stupid and cruel, and apparently done with little thought of consequences. It’s also a good example of how our “public servants” abandon compassion and decency in the name of soulless expediency. Whoever thought up this monstrous business should have his/her head examined.
This practice is inhumane, barbaric and stupid. Stop spending my tax dollars on this cruel practice.
This cruel and inhumane treatment of helpless animals must be stopped!
This needs to be stopped
These cyanide bombs are really cruel. More importantly, they pose a threat to humans and domestic animals. Using them to “control wildlife” populations is plain stupid.
Animals were here long before people. In my mind, this Earth belongs more to THEM than it does to us. We are SUPPOSED to have higher intelligence, and use that intelligence to PROTECT our fellow animals, however, that, sadly, is not the case. I’m not an activist, just a person with COMMON SENSE.
I much prefer the company of animals to most people today. Animals are simply trying to survive, however, it’s becoming increasingly difficult with people and farmers encroaching on THEIR homes.
God put every living thing on the Earth for a purpose. It is not up to man to decide which species lives or dies. Killing any living thing for profit is simply not right and there is NO way to justify it no matter HOW you try to argue the point.
More action should be taken to PROTECT our wildlife from senseless killing so that others can profit. Karma IS real.
Time to stop the madness in the world and get back to doing what God and Nature intended. BALANCE. Maybe PEOPLE should stop overpopulating the Earth. There’s a thought. Most people today are as worthless as the day is long.
Yours is my favorite comment. I agree 209%! Our job is tone more vocal and to share with other’s. If we all were aware of what is taking place, imagine the uproar!
Best,
Rhonda
There are other ways to protect farm animals than putting poisons out that will kill without discrimination.
Americans have some of the most innovate minds in the world this is what we’ve come up with? Come on we can do better than this! Please find a more humane way to deal with population control/predators.
cruel and inhumane-stop!
This inhumane and cruel practice needs to stop now!
this is unconscionable -NO person has a right to do such cruel and inhumane things in order to “get rid” of something they do not like –if wild animals are bothering their animals then bring the animals in at night -humans do NOT have a right to “accidentally” hurt other animals or humans — children and family pets have been seriously hurt from these cruel and awful practices —
Wildlife service? This is wildlife slaughter. When will we evolve and allow other species to live on their own terms?
Can’t believe they are still using these things…well, yes I can. The boy and dog happened months ago, and apparently the outcry then, did no good. Just proves how little our government listens to the people, or cares what we want. Fed up with the lack of compassion, civility, and caring in this country.
This is unbelievable and so sad the evilness that you are allowed to set death traps for these poor animals that have hearts and souls – you are monsters! They do no harm to you and this MUST be stopped now!!!
Has everyone gone crazy? STOP!
This is horrific. How selfish and destructive can humans be!!!!!!!!
Not surprising, but disgusting and cruel. Stop such practices.
STOP this inhumane treatment against ALL animals. GOD. I thought Wildlife Services was there to HELP animals. Stop the Farming, NOW!!!\
Cecy Ivie
STOP this inhumane treatment against ALL animals. GOD.
STOP THE KILLING!!
cruel and inhumane must be stopped
This disgusting and inhumane treatment of animals needs to be stopped.
This is horrific! They need to leave the animals alone. What a terrible way to die!! Stop this killing!
They do what ?!
More stupidity and murder from our Federal Government. Lets leave this country for anywhere else! War on citizens and our pets.
Stop the uncontrolled random killing of non-human animals. It is cruel and most inhumane. Shame on us all who are paying for it with our tax dollars!!!
USDA’s “Wildlife Services” needs to be stopped from these ineffective, inhumane, indiscriminate poisonings and other horrific killings. The American public does NOT support such cruelty.
I demand we stop our killing culture immediately. I do not give anyone permission to use my money in a lethal way. Enough is enough!
This despicable practice of the USDA’s Wildlife Service must be stopped. Killing innocent animals, wild and companion, by using these barbaric practices is disgusting and must be stopped.
How many tons of toxic chemicals and lethal poisons are dumped into the environment? I know that relatively few people care about animals – wildlife, not to mention domesticated, however, it is surprising that they do not make the connection to human health. The insatiable appetite for meat, dairy, and eggs is responsible for enormous suffering of animals and destruction of the environment. On the other hand, adopting whole plant-based (vegan) diet would solve health care crisis – health of our planet and all of its occupants.
The use of cyanide traps to kill coyotes is deplorable and the use of M-44 with no warning signs shows a blatant disregard for human beings. I do not want my tax dollars used for such an inhumane practice. Please find an alternate means of handling the coyote problem.
Please stop this horrific act.
This is so cruel. I do not support this “technology “ , it’s very cruel to a poor defenseless animal
Absolutely disgusting and totally inhumane. This needs to be stopped immediately
I am totally disgusted with our government. The fact that they can disregard life so easily using taxpayers money to do this . US government is for the people by the people. Killing innocent animals in such a cruel way is not what the people of US want. Stop this deplorable act NOW
Disgustingly merciless to torture and kill innocent wildlife. I demand it be stopped immediatel. There is no sane reason for such killings in a civil society.