Predator Control and Compound 1080 (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
May 4, 1984 |
| Report Number |
MB82241 |
| Authors |
Jim Aidala |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Prior to 1972, sodium monofluoracetate, known as Compound 1080, was used to kill coyotes which prey on sheep in the western range lands, where 80% of U.S. sheep are raised. In 1972, Compound 1080 was banned by executive order from use on Federal grazing land after evidence indicated the poison had killed numerous non-target wildlife. This order and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) subsequent cancellation of the registration of predator toxicants led to years of protest by sheep ranchers, who claimed that sheep losses to predators had increased since 1972 and that effective and economic alternative predator control techniques did not exist. In the 97th Congress, debate on the issue escalated because EPA decided to reevaluate the use of Compound 1080, possibly re-registering it for use. In 1981, the U.S. Department of the Interior applied to EPA for a re-registration of the compound based on a new application -- a toxic collar -- intended to make the toxicant safer to use and less harmful to non-target species. During the summer of 1982, the EPA held hearings on the topic. On Oct. 27, 1982, an administrative law judge recommended the EPA lift its 10-year suspension of the poison. On Oct. 31, 1983, EPA decided to accept the judge's opinion, which will allow some uses of the pesticide. This decision has been appealed in Federal court, however
