Pickering First in Ontario to Implement Animal Poisoning Prevention Policy

On Monday, June 26, the City of Pickering made history as the first city in Ontario to address rodenticides by adopting an Animal Poisoning Prevention Policy. The city council unanimously approved this policy, which was proposed by Coun. Maurice Brenner.

According to several delegates, there has been a rise in poisoning incidents in Pickering and throughout the Durham region over the past decade.

While supporting the motion, resident Janice Freund noted that Cavan Hills Veterinary Hospital sees about one case of rodenticide poisoning each week at their clinic.

“Wildlife rehabilitation centres in Ontario have also reported an uptick in cases of rodenticide toxicity, now reaching high double digits each year,” Freund stated.

A press release mentioned that various environmental and animal welfare advocates have expressed worries about how rodenticides affect non-target species like owls, hawks, small birds, earthworms, coyotes and cougars, as well as children and pets.

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The newly adopted policy restricts the use of rodenticides on city property. Brenner told that the city aims to set a positive example for residents by investigating alternative methods for controlling rodents.

Brenner experienced a personal loss earlier this year when his dog Riley, a miniature Beagle, died from rodenticide poisoning.

Read more: B. C.’s rodenticide ban could be having unintended consequences: Pest control industry

“Seeing a pet suffer and die from poisoning is heartbreaking.… You see it in their eyes. I saw it in Riley’s eyes but didn’t understand what was happening. If this is my way of honoring my lost dog and preventing others from experiencing similar pain, then it achieves its purpose,” he explained. “No one should lose a beloved furry friend to poisoning like I did-and many others have.”

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Brenner wasn’t alone; many others who lost pets shared emotional stories about their companion animals suffering. Allison Hansen from Durham Region tearfully recounted watching her rescue dog slowly pass away due to liver failure caused by accumulated rodenticides at just six years old.

“(Rodenticides) move through the food chain and harm our ecosystem. Most importantly, they don’t effectively control rodents long-term. Please end the suffering in Pickering,” Hansen urged.

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This is a significant move forward. I hope other cities will follow Pickering’s example-it’s time for Ontario to revise its policies on rodent control for the benefit of its people, wildlife and pets.”

A 2021 report by Orkin Canada listed Pickering along with Oshawa and Ajax among Ontario’s top 25 rattiest cities. In an interview with , Brenner discussed how using rodenticides affects rats.





“When you poison … you put that poison out; it doesn’t kill instantly. (Rats) go back outside … to different places. They leave behind urine and droppings … but what you don’t realize is they still have (poison) inside them,” he said. “Many dogs (and cats) chase mice-yet you can’t know if that mouse … has been poisoned or not; if it has been affected by rodenticide that’s sealed your lovely pet’s fate.”

2:21 Peterborough pest control operator reports 150% increase in rat calls

The councillor further mentioned that the city plans to lead by example while working on public awareness campaigns alongside animal services to educate about alternative solutions for tackling rat infestations.

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