UK council forced to apologise after 'inhumanely' gassing local moles to death
UK council forced to apologise after 'inhumanely' gassing local moles to death
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A council has been forced to apologise after it used an "inhumane" lethal gassing agent to kill moles plaguing a church graveyard - leaving local residents distressed. Those living nearby called the process 'inhumane' and remarked that poisoned animals are "lying around dead" in the cemetery. In light of their comments, a councillor for the town of Tadley in Basingstoke, Hampshire, apologised for upsetting people - but argued the local authority had no choice as the moles were "burrowing" around graves.
Residents in the town raised questions about a sign posted at the burial ground of St Peter's Church, warning people and dogs to keep away from the area. The sign advised the burial ground would be closed for three days earlier this month. It read: "Mole removal is taking place using Talunex aluminium phosphide gassing agent. People and dogs must keep away from this area.".
The gassing tablet is used to kill moles, rats and rabbits. But it can cause adverse health effects including nausea and breathing difficulties in humans and pets exposed to the chemicals. The council says it had first tried alternative methods including tracking, luring and trapping the moles - but were forced to make the decision to have them gassed with a licensed company.
And residents in the area have expressed concerns about the method used. One local, who didn't wish to be named, warned that "poisoned moles are lying around dead" in the burial ground. Another called the use of the gassing agent "inhumane", adding: "There must have been a better way of dealing with the poor creatures.".
