Alphachloralose is a narcotic and when used in concentrations of less than 2.5% it will anaesthetise birds so farmers or shop/cafe owners can safely remove them.

 

However, concentrations higher than 2.5% will cause birds to become comatose and eventually die of hypothermia.

 

I’ve been made aware that someone is feeding food laced with Alphachloralose to Pigeons and Ducks in our public spaces. While residents are out on their walks, they are finding comatose or dead birds. The only way to try to save a poisoned bird is to put them in a warm, dark place until the effects wear off.

 

Did you know that you can buy this narcotic over the counter at hardware stores?

 

Do you think it should be classed as a controlled substance? That would mean the user would have to hold a Controlled Substance Licence to possess and use Alphachloralose.