Alex Vince
Alex is a dedicated abolitionist who has worked on issues ranging from the state slaughter of
wildlife to the horrors inherent in intensive agribusiness. Alex has experience in the crafting
and creation of laws and how they continue to fail the animals they are supposed to protect.
Alex currently works with Animal Liberation and co-founded the Coalition Against 1080
Poison in 2017, a national network of organisations and individuals determined to ban 1080
across the country. He is based in Sydney where he lives with his partner, a dog named Obi,
and a cat named Luci.
www.al.org.au
www.ban1080.org.au
Poisons and Pesticides: An Animal Welfare Crisis
The term ‘pesticide’ is unique in that it is used to describe not only the substances
used to kill ‘pest’ species, but also the theory and practice of doing so. This presentation will
explore the various connotations of the terms widely used by governments and their
departments during lethal wildlife management programs, exploring how these are employed
not only to describe species but also as a tool through which governments vilify and demonise,
thereby shaping public perception and policy decisions. This analysis will lay the foundation for
a deeper discussion about the use of 1080 poison in Australia, including case studies and a
critical examination of its ongoing use in its context as an animal welfare crisis. By highlighting
the ecological, ethical, and animal welfare concerns associated with the use of poisons and
pesticides, it will shed light on the broader implications of lethal control for conservation and
environmental stewardship. Through this presentation, Alex aims to provoke thoughtful
consideration of alternative management strategies that are both humane and sustainable
while preserving the integrity of Australia’s diverse ecosystems.
