Rodenticide Ban (Washington)
H.B. 2516
An Act Relating to Rodenticides will place a moratorium on all anticoagulant rodenticides as well as rodenticides that include bromethalin as an ingredient.
Status
The Animal Legal Defense Fund supports this bill.
Sponsors: State Rep. Lisa Parshley (D-22)
Cosponsors: Rep. Shaun Scott (D-43); Timm Ormsby (D-3); Natasha Hill (D-3); Alex Ramel (D-40); Julia Reed (D-36)
Introduction Date: January 15, 2026
The Washington legislature is considering H.B. 2516, which will place a moratorium on all anticoagulant rodenticides as well as rodenticides that include bromethalin as an ingredient. The bill also requires research into humane alternatives, such as contraception, and the impact that rodenticides, and the restriction of them, have on Washington wildlife.
Rodenticides, also known as rat poisons, cause the unintended poisoning of numerous wildlife species, as well as children and companion animals. Poison is an indiscriminate killer. Even when used as manufacturers recommend, poisoned rodents become easy prey for raptors and other wildlife — meaning that countless unintended species consume the rodenticides, too. This poison accumulates in their bodies, potentially reaching lethal levels.
Children and companion animals are also vulnerable to rodenticides, accidentally consuming the poison intended for rodents. Poisoned animals frequently suffer slow and very painful deaths.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund was a part of a coalition that worked with California lawmakers to pass three rodenticide ban and moratorium bills that targeted specific types of rodenticides, including second- and first-generation anticoagulants and rodenticides containing chlorophacinone or warfarin. These bills were signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020, 2023, and 2024, respectively.
Why is this legislation important?
A recent news story reported that three eagles in Snohomish County were found dead with lethal doses of rat poison in their systems. Wildlife biologists for the Stillaguamish Tribes and the Washington Fish and Wildlife Service have found rat poison in three out of the four eagles sent for testing since March 2024.
This is especially concerning for wildlife protection because bald eagles are an indicator species, meaning that a healthy bald eagle population indicates a healthy ecosystem, so eagle deaths and decline are a warning sign of declining ecosystem health. Eagle deaths from rodenticides are a red flag that these poisons may be working their way through the entirety of the food chain.
Coalition Support: Center for Biological Diversity, Raptors are the Solution, and Washington Wildlife First.
For more information about animal protection legislation in Washington and opportunities to take action for animals, visit our Washington state page.
