The Canadian government’s ban on the use of products containing strychnine for use to kill Richardson’s ground squirrels went into effect on March 4th. Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency cancelled the registration of products containing strychnine due to its impact on non-target animals, with a three-year phase out period that is now coming to an end. The chemical is highly toxic and has been shown to cause severe suffering in animals, including non-target species such as pets and wildlife. The ban comes after years of advocacy by animal welfare organizations, who have called for safer and more humane alternatives.