Social media posts have circulated showing signs located at Penstock Lagoon, in the Central Highlands, notifying people that 1080 poison has been released in the area.

Shooters and Fishers party vice chair Ken Orr posted to Facebook to say the area was a well-known habitat for sea eagles, wedge-tailed eagles and deer.

“1080 poison is a slow killer. When ingested (usually through baited food) the animal suffers a unnecessarily, prolonged and horrific death. 1080 is a poison, an indiscriminate killer,” he said.

“It not only has devastating consequences for the animals who directly consume it, but it also affects the surrounding environment and its inhabitants. Endangered wedge tailed eagles, Tasmania devils, quolls may also be killed through secondary poisoning.”

A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment spokeswoman said an on-site inspection of a property near the lagoon was undertaken.

The use of 1080 poison is strictly controlled under a code of conduct that requires proof the use of the poison doesn’t pose a risk to non-target species, among other requirements.

The spokeswoman said the on-site inspection satisfied the conditions of the code of conduct so 1080 poison was laid.

“The state government was ensuring 1080 remained available for browsing animal control until viable, safe and cost-effective alternatives are available,” the spokeswoman said.