Weston restaurant acknowledges ‘mistake’ hiring pest control company that poisoned birds

WESTON, Fla.The popular Argentinian restaurant at Weston Town Center that is responsible for hiring a pest control company accused of poisoning federally protected birds released a statement that read in part that they “are glad it came to a resolution and the proper entities were held responsible.”

They added, “it was a mistake hiring the wrong company.”

Last week, Local 10 News reported that the pest control company was hired by Graziano’s, with a spokesperson for the restaurant confirming at the time that they hired a pest control company, adding that the company told them it would be safe and humane.

However, the birds appeared to have been poisoned, with many wildlife experts telling Local 10 News signs pointed to the misuse of Avitrol.

“What it is is a toxin that acts on their nervous system,” said South Florida Wildlife Center Medical Director Charlotte Cournoyer. “It can lead to death at a certain dose.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a statement that the drug was improperly administered, writing in part, “the drug was not administered in a manner consistent with the product label.”

“It’s a heavily controlled and regulated pesticide,” said pest control expert Gary Wilcox. “You have to sit there and watch -- make sure other animals don’t get there other than your target species.”

Authorities said the birds -- boat-tailed grackles -- are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Acts, leading to two misdemeanors against the pest control company.

The name of the company and employee responsible for poisoning the birds have yet to be released.


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