COURIER MAIL (Brisbane, Australia) 26 June 07 Aerosol spray for humanely killing cane toads (Brian Williams)
An aerosol spray for humanely killing cane toads is expected to be in supermarkets and hardware stores next year.
Canberra-based Pestat has developed the spray which contains an anaesthetic capable of putting a large toad to sleep in 15 to 20 seconds.
The spray also contains a poison, which is absorbed through the skin.
Pestat managing director David Dall said yesterday that the spray was for people who were a bit squeamish about picking up live toads.
"I've handled thousands of toads, but my mum wouldn't touch one," he said.
"The idea is you spray the toads, go and have a cup of tea then come back and bury them."
He said the spray was not harmful to children or dogs.
Dr Dall, a former CSIRO scientist, said the product was yet to be given Federal Government approval and investors were being sought to bring it into production.
He said it contained household chemicals and would sell for $10 to $20.
"Everything we've seen in testing shows it to be absolutely humane," Dr Dall said.
RSPCA chief executive Mark Townend said if the product was as humane as suggested, it would be a kind way of dealing with a major pest.
"Although we could do without toads in Australia, they shouldn't be mistreated," Mr Townend said.
He said it was wrong for people to use weapons such as golf clubs on toads or to promote such behaviour.
"It sends a bad message to impressionable young people about how you should treat animals in general.
"It's not the toads' fault humans brought them here."
Aerosol spray for humanely killing cane toads