Animal welfare group opposes use of strychnine for gopher control on Sask. farms

An animal welfare organization says it’s concerned about producers in Saskatchewan and Alberta using strychnine to control gopher populations.

Under an emergency use application, producers in some areas of both provinces are permitted to use the otherwise-banned pesticide until 2027 in an effort to control Richardson’s ground squirrels, a type of rodent, commonly referred to as gophers, which can cause significant damage to crops and pasture lands.

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But while some farmers have expressed gratitude about having another tool available to help control the rodents, the SaskSPCA says the poison leads to “a slow, painful and inhumane death” for the ground squirrels, and its widespread use could pose a broader risk to ecosystems.

“Toxic substances remain in the bodies of poisoned animals, posing a risk to predators and scavengers that may consume them,” the animal welfare group said in a statement.

“This process, known as secondary poisoning, can lead to illness or death in wildlife such as birds of prey, foxes, and other species. The impacts may be further amplified by tertiary poisoning, resulting in broader ecological consequences across the food web.”

While measures including specialized training, increased monitoring and carcass collection are required for the farmers using strychnine, the SaskSPCA said those mitigation efforts don’t prevent other animals from becoming exposed to the pesticide. That can include domestic pets like dogs and cats, the organization said, along with at-risk species like the ferruginous hawk.

The area where strychnine can be used to control gophers has been expanded to include 208 RMs across about 15 crop districts in western and southern areas of Saskatchewan. (Government of Saskatchewan/Submitted)

“Poisons inflict a slow, painful, inhumane death on any animal that ingests them,” Mikayla Basset, an education co-ordinator for the SaskSPCA, said in a statement.

“Although they may be intended to target specific species, their impacts do not stop there. Poison can move through the food web, causing harm to wildlife, pets, and other animals far removed from the original target.”

The SaskSPCA also noted that the ground squirrels “play a vital role in prairie ecosystems, contributing to soil aeration, water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and serving as a key food source for predators.”

While the organization acknowledged that pest management is a major concern for landowners and producers across the prairies, it said alternative methods should be researched, developed and implemented rather than using strychnine.

“Preventative measures such as habitat modification, biological and mechanical controls, and exclusion techniques can reduce conflict, while more humane lethal options such as properly used snap traps can be considered when necessary,” the SaskSPCA said in a statement.

“The SaskSPCA urges decision-makers and stakeholders to carefully consider the long-term implications of strychnine use and to prioritize solutions that protect both animal welfare and environmental health.”