Interview with Alex Vince from Coalition Against 1080 Poison

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today! For those who don’t know who you are, could you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Alex Vince, I am campaign director at Animal Liberation and co-founder of the Coalition Against 1080 Poison. While my formal studies and training are in sociology and disability support, I have spent close to a decade working in the animal protection sector. During this time, much of my focus has been dedicated to improving the protection of wild animals. My background in sociology provided me with a strong foundation for understanding human behaviour, society, and the complexities of social structures. This has been invaluable in my work within the animal protection sector as it has allowed me to approach the field from a multidisciplinary perspective, recognising the intricate relationships between humans and animals, and how attitudes and behaviours impact the treatment and protection of animals.

Alex Vince - Coalition Against 1080 Poison

What is the Coalition Against 1080 Poison? What does it hope to achieve? 

The Coalition Against 1080 Poison is Australia’s only advocacy and support network dedicated to supporting Australians who have lost loved ones to 1080 poison. While this has been our guiding mission since our establishment in 2017, we are much more than a guardian of grieving families; we are champions of a new era in conservation. Our approach is rooted in two fundamental principles: compassionate conservation and the rejection of cruel and ineffective lethal control methods. Conservation, for us, isn't just a catchphrase; it's a commitment to protecting our environment while respecting all life forms within it. 

Our small team actively engages in raising awareness, advocating for policies that prioritise the welfare of both wildlife and the communities residing near conservation areas. At the heart of our work is the steadfast rejection of cruel and ineffective lethal management techniques, particularly the ongoing use of 1080 poison. We firmly believe that it is finally time to break free from the chains of outdated, inhumane practices that harm wildlife and people alike. Rather than resorting to such methods, we endorse sustainable alternatives such as non-lethal wildlife management, habitat restoration, and community engagement. 

Our dedication to ethical conservation means that we actively seek partnerships with scientists, researchers, and organisations that share our values. By doing so, we aim to inspire the next generation of environmental guardians, cultivating a sense of responsibility and respect for the wild world. For example, we’re a proud member of Defend the Wild, a visionary network of like-minded people and organisations. Ultimately, the Coalition is more than just an organisation; we're one arm of a growing movement working to redefine conservation in Australia. 

Why did you feel the need to start this coalition? 

When we started the Coalition in 2017, it was intended to fill a gap that we had identified in the Australian animal protection sector. I can remember the moment it began like it was yesterday; I distinctly recall receiving an email with a video attachment titled ‘1080’. At the time, I had no real reason to be wary; I was, like many Australians are, entirely unaware of what those numbers signify. I certainly didn’t associate them with what I do today. I don’t know what I was expecting to see when I pressed ‘play’, but I do know it wasn’t what I saw flash across my screen. 

When I did, the entire scene was unlike anything I’d ever seen. The dog sprawled on the screen before me, writhing in agony on a cold concrete floor, bore an uncanny resemblance to the very first dog I ever adopted - a small black and white kelpie I named Buster and loved like a brother as a kid. This one’s name was Ben. He was only 7 months old. 

Unlike the unknown number of other animals who die the same death - alone in the bush or in their dens - Ben had a name and Ben had a collar; I could see it shake back and forth as he suffered hours of seizures before his tiny body could finally take no more. I watched in helpless horror as Ben convulsed for hours, each seizure seeming to etch deeper into my psyche. From time to time, Ben would pause and stretch out on the concrete of the shed he had collapsed on, and it was in those moments that I could see the terror screaming in his eyes. 

Ben's cruel fate was sealed by innocently eating a bait laced with 1080 poison - a substance so unspeakable that almost every nation on earth refuses to permit it past its borders. Having seen the torture Ben endured, something shifted within me. It was a change so profound that I knew his tragic death could not be in vain. And so, the Coalition was born, and our battle to ban 1080 poison began. In Ben's memory, and for all the unnamed wild animals subjected to the same agony, we’re committed in our mission to see 1080 outlawed in every corner of the country, once and for all. 

What is 1080? 

Like many infamous things, 1080 poison goes by several names; its correct chemical name is sodium monofluoroacetate, but it is more commonly known simply as “1080” (‘ten-eighty’). The name itself is numerical and refers to the fact that it was the one-thousand-and-eightieth, or ‘1080th’, chemical studied by scientists searching for substitute substances to kill rats and other rodents during World War 2, which had led to dramatic declines in poison reserves. Almost immediately its properties were realised as a mortal threat to all lifeforms. 1080 poison is uniformly lethal to all animals who come in contact with it, from earthworms to wedge-tailed eagles. 

This is because it is a colourless, tasteless and odourless substance that is synthetically manufactured and, depending on the target species, laid in a variety of baits. Baits used to kill carnivores are mostly meat-based, and frequently made from the flesh of hunted kangaroos, while those used to poison herbivores range are often made from fruits and vegetables. These baits are currently used in every Australian state and territory to kill a variety of unwanted or unwelcome species of wildlife. 

Why is 1080 banned in every country except Australia and New Zealand? 

1080 is a chemical so infamous for the suffering it inflicts on its victims that almost every other nation on earth refuses to permit it past its borders. Its use is prohibited in many countries based on the breathtaking danger it presents any animal unlucky enough to 'take the bait'. This sets its ongoing use in Australia and New Zealand apart as an exceptional case in global chemical regulations. 

Two key concerns emerge as the basis for this nearly global prohibition on the use of 1080 poison. First and foremost, it possesses a shocking and severe lethality that extends beyond its intended targets. Its indiscriminate nature, coupled with the absence of any antidote, amplifies the threat 1080 poison poses every time it is laid. Yet, the devastation doesn't stop there. While the intent may be to target specific species, it too often spills over and harms non-target animals. Such collateral damage can reverberate through entire ecosystems; native species, whose

existence is already tenuous in many regions, are further threatened as they inadvertently come into contact with or consume the poisoned victims. This grim sequence unfolds because 1080 poison remains so potent that it lingers within the carcasses of its primary victims, turning its victims themselves into a fatal threat to any other creature that crosses their path. 

What species are targeted with 1080? 

Contrary to common belief, 1080 poison isn't solely used to kill introduced species; its targets extend to a variety of animals across Australia, including both native and introduced species. The explicit targets for 1080 baiting encompass a broad spectrum, including dingoes, wallabies, possums, pademelons, foxes, rabbits, pigs, cats, deer, and goats. Recent Federal Government plans suggest that this list may soon expand to incorporate more species, such as brumbies. 

It’s important to emphasise that simply cataloguing the species currently targeted doesn’t give an accurate account of the animals actually killed by 1080 poison. Though these are the ‘target’ species, an untold - and unknown - number of other animals from a range of species are killed in the process. It is the Coalition’s position that Australia must urgently catch up with the rest of the world by initiating a phase-out of 1080 across the country.

How is 1080 spread across the country? 

1080 poison is distributed in a variety of ways. When we hear about baiting, we often picture baits being dropped or laid by hand. Though this is a common method, known as ‘ground baiting’, there are a range of other techniques employed across the country. For example, aerial baiting involves 

the use of helicopters or aircraft to disperse baits over vast distances, usually in remote regions that are inaccessible to vehicles. The risk to non-target species during aerial baiting operations is significant because there is no practical way to control where the baits will land when they are flung from the air. Another relatively recent technique is the use of Canid Pest Ejectors, otherwise known as ‘CPEs’. These are mechanical devices that are partially buried, leaving a baited lure exposed that contains a capsule of 1080 poison. Inside, CPEs are essentially a spring-loaded bolt gun that catapults a capsule of poison directly into the mouths of animals who try to remove the bait at the top. In America, there has been at least one case of a child who was hospitalised after mistaking one of these devices for a water sprinkler. It isn’t hard to understand why after looking at images of these devices. Finally, there are toxic “Trojan” baits. These are experimental programs that involve surgically inserting 1080 capsules into living animals. Examples include the Pelorus Project and, more recently, experiments involving the insertion of capsules into the bodies of bilbies. The idea is that when these animals are preyed upon, the toxic capsules will be ingested and kill their predators. 

Are there alternatives to 1080? What are they? 

There are a number of viable alternatives to the use of 1080 poison in Australia. These acknowledge that many modern ecosystems, including Australia’s, are vibrant collections of both native and introduced animals. Many promote coexistence rather than a continued reliance on lethal control. As it applies to instances in which 1080 poison is used to kill predators, there are a gamut of options available. These may be other fatal methods, like alternative poisons, or they can be non-lethal techniques, such as fertility control or the adoption of livestock guardian animals. In terms of conservation, the use of 1080 baiting is often rationalised as a necessary evil that poses negligent risks to the animals it claims to protect. It has been shown, however, that this is not the case. Native herbivores, like wallabies are pademelons, are actively targeted with 1080 poison in Tasmania. 

A native Pademelon at risk of being poisoned by 1080.

In 2021, the Blue Mountains Council decided to ban the use of 1080. What was your role in this decision? How did it come about? 

The importance of local governments taking progressive measures to outlaw the use of dangerous substances, such as 1080, really cannot be overstated. At a time when environmental stewardship and public health are paramount, such actions are a testament to a community's commitment to safeguarding its residents and the natural world. By banning harmful substances, particularly poisons, local governments send a powerful message that they prioritise the well-being of their citizens over short-term convenience. Such a progressive stance encourages the adoption of safer, sustainable alternatives and ultimately paves the way for more resilient communities, setting a precedent for responsible governance that inspires others to follow suit. 

The Blue Mountains City Council became the first council in the country to explicitly ban the use of 1080 poison on lands it owns or manages in 2021. The unanimous decision to do so was a milestone in the growing national movement against 1080 poison. The Coalition welcomed the leadership shown by the Blue Mountains and strongly believes that it should be a wake-up call for other local governments. An outright ban is long overdue and it’s time to get rid of it for good.

What do you suggest to people who want to have 1080 banned in their local areas? 

The first step towards advocating for change is taking time to research the policies and practices of your local government. It's essential to familiarise yourself with the approach your council adopts regarding the use of substances like 1080. Although many local councils still use 1080, often in partnership with state departments or agencies, there are also those that have chosen alternative methods. Delving into the specifics of its application within your local area is an indispensable starting point because it gives you a comprehensive understanding of the extent and purpose of 1080 use in your area. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about what steps to take next in advocating for safer and more sustainable alternatives. We strongly recommend anyone interested in engaging in a local campaign to ban 1080 in their areas contact the Coalition. We can provide you with expert advice, resources, and materials to help your community become the next to outlaw 1080. 

What do you hope to see in the future for 1080? What are the roadblocks standing in the way of making this a reality? 

At the heart of our mission is a profound conviction that the Australian people are a nation of compassionate animal lovers who care for their environment and refuse to embrace antiquated practices that consistently fall short of their intended goals. In envisioning a future without the use of 1080 poison in Australia, we tap into this wellspring of Australian compassion and the desire for more effective and humane conservation methods. The shift away from 1080 represents a fundamental transformation in how we approach environmental stewardship. In this future, we see a nation that wholeheartedly embraces innovative, ethical, and targeted solutions. The acceptance of more advanced, non-lethal alternatives will reflect a collective commitment to preserving biodiversity while minimising harm to non-target species. Australians, true to their nature, will play an active role in shaping this future. They will engage in research, advocate for change, and actively support the implementation of policies and practices that reflect the values of compassion and progress. Public sentiment will drive the adoption of advanced technologies and strategies that are capable of achieving conservation objectives without the devastating side effects associated with 1080. We are already seeing this happen. Ultimately, the vision of a future without 1080 is not just about a change in approach; it's about honouring the compassionate spirit of the Australian people and working together to build a more sustainable, ethical, and harmonious relationship with our shared environment. 

How can people contact you? How can people support your movement? 

You can easily get in touch with us anytime, day or night, by visiting our website or reaching out through our various social media channels. Our online presence ensures that we're accessible to a wide audience, allowing you to connect with us at your convenience. Whether you have questions, ideas, or simply want to stay informed about our movement, our digital platforms are a hub for engaging with our cause. Additionally, for those who are passionate about supporting our mission and wish to make a visible statement, we've recently introduced a line of merchandise. Our shirts, sweaters and caps not only serve as a symbol of your support but also play a crucial role in raising awareness within your own community. By wearing our merchandise, you can become an advocate for change by spreading the message to others who may want to join our cause, ultimately strengthening our movement. Your support, whether through online engagement or the tangible act of wearing our merchandise, is invaluable in driving our mission forward.

To find out more about the incredible work that Alex and the Coalition Against 1080 Poison do, visit their website www.ban1080.org.au as well as their Facebook and their Instagram.