Health Canada has announced its intention to completely ban strychnine following public consultations on the use of this potent poison. The announcement came during a telephone conference between Health Canada officials and stakeholder groups, followed by The Canadian Press.
The official announcement is expected on today.. Strychnine is sometimes used as a wildlife management tool and has been used in Alberta to control wolf populations and skunks.
During the call, a representative from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency stated that all uses of the poison would be illegal by September 7. Product certifications containing this poison will be revoked starting Thursday, March 7, 2024.
The decision comes after a formal review of an initially published decision in 2022 that would have allowed some continued use of strychnine. The public consultation took place from August 31 to November 29, 2022.
Animal protection groups have welcomed the decision regarding this toxin, which many consider cruel and a threat to non-targeted animals.
