Animal Justice, along with the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) and a University of Manitoba biology professor, have officially filed an appeal challenging a provincial permit that allows the City of Winnipeg to kill Richardson’s ground squirrels using anticoagulant poison (Rozol) and suffocating foam (RoCon). This controversial permit puts ground squirrels and other wildlife at risk of severe suffering. Even companion cats and dogs are at serious risk of being poisoned.
Why We Filed the Winnipeg Ground Squirrel Appeal
In this legal appeal, we are asking Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes to suspend and revoke the permit immediately. Last year, the Minister rightly rejected a proposal to use “Giant Destroyer” gas bombs on these animals. However, the current plan to use suffocating foam and Rozol—a dangerous anticoagulant—is even more inhumane. We believe the City must shift toward non-lethal, effective management strategies instead of relying on cruel poisons.
Serious Welfare & Safety Concerns
The permit allows the use of an anticoagulant rodenticide (Rozol) and suffocating foam (RoCon). When animals like ground squirrels, birds, rabbits, and squirrels consume Rozol baits they experience prolonged suffering, including severe blood loss, weakness, and difficulty breathing. Rozol also causes secondary poisoning, whereby animals such as dogs, cats, foxes, owls, and hawks ingest the poisoned bodies of ground squirrels, mice, and other small animals, leaving non-target animals to suffer and die.
Although the permit requires monitoring for bait and carcasses at least twice daily, this is not enough to prevent exposure. Given the length of time it takes for animals to die from Rozol poisoning, poisoned animals may die significant distances away from the application site. Others may die out of sight or be scavenged before they can be collected, leaving wildlife and domestic animals at risk.
Ecological Impact in Winnipeg
Our appeal also challenges the use of suffocating foam injected into burrows. This method often fails to kill all animals instantly, leaving them in extreme distress. This ineffective method can leave ground squirrels to experience extreme distress only to survive and be poisoned or suffocated yet again the next time these products are used.
Furthermore, ground squirrel researcher Dr. James Hare warns that timing is critical. Conducting these kills after breeding season leaves dependent young to starve underground after their mothers are poisoned or suffocated.
Lack of Public Notice for Residents
The appeal also highlights that the City failed to provide proper notice to residents living next to affected parks and fields. Under the law, neighbours have a right to formally object to pesticide use on adjacent properties. Without this information, Winnipeg residents cannot take the necessary steps to protect their pets or participate in the decision-making process. We are fighting to ensure the Minister hears the voices of concerned citizens and experts alike.
